
^ 



^ 



^ 



THE 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET; 



BEING A COMPENDIOUS ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST 



SETTLEMENT OF THE ISLAND BY THE ENGLISH, 



TOGETHER WITH THE 



RISE AND PROGRESS 



WHALE FISHERY; 

AND OTHER HISTORICAL FACTS RELATIVE TO SAID 
ISLAND AND ITS INHABITANTS. 

fin STtoo 3Pat:t5. 



BY OBED MACY. 



We know that all things work together for good, to them that love God. 

Romans viii. 28. 

Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. John vi. 12. 



BOSTON: 

HILLIARD, GRAY, AND CO. 

1835. 



v., , 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1835, by Obed 
Macy, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of 
Massachusetts. 



Br 

5 Iel807 



J. D. FREEMAN, PRINTER, 

No. 110 Washington St. 



PREFACE. 

It has long been a subject of surprise to the author, that no 
person has written a history of Nantucket. Such a work, 
commencing with the settlement of the island by the English, 
and continued to the present day, could not fail of containing 
much both of interest and instruction. There are few places 
jf equal magnitude, the annals of which would afford matters 
or a more valuable volume. 

The occasion which drew some of the first families to 
ettle at Nantucket, was that of avoidino^ the riorors of the 
T.W against the people called Quakers. To enjoy the exer- 
'ise of the rites of hospitality and of religious freedom, they 
'ere willing to leave their homes, their friends and con- 
exions, to sacrifice their property, and to settle in a place 
inhabited by some thousands of savages, from whom, in case 
of assault, no retreat could be made. Driven from civilized 
society for no crime, but for their virtues rather, they took 
refuge in a land of barbarians ; and, without vessels for 
flight, or arms for defence, they erected their altars and 
traced their furrows with all that confidence and fearless- 
ness, which is inspired by unwavering trust in the blessing 
of heaven. They committed themselves to the guidance of 
divine power, believing that, under His influence, they would 
succeed in their undertaking. They did succeed ; and so 
rapidly and so peaceably, that, in a ^e\v years, they found 
themselves in possession of the whole island, while neither 
record nor tradition affords a single instance of hostility 
between them and their savaore neio-hbors. 



IV PREFACE. 

The Whale Fishery will be found a leading topic in the 
following pages, and, it is presumed, one of the most inter- 
esting parts of this history. Reflecting at how early a 
period this business was commenced after the island was 
settled, the speedy acquisition of knowledge, as to the best 
mode of carrying it on, and the success in its progress, are 
considerations which must strike the reader with astonish- 
ment. The sight of whales playing near the shores led the 
inhabitants to contemplate the advantages which would arise, 
could they become possessed of the proper means of taking 
them. These means were gradually obtained, consisting 
partly of information derived from Cape Cod, but principally 
drawn from their own enterprising disposition and indefati- 
gable industry. At first they had neither boats nor craft 
suitable for the business, and very few mechanics capable 
of making them. The shore, from which it was most proper 
to go in pursuit of whales, was on the ocean side of the 
island, where the surf, constantly breaking, required that 
they should have good boats and skilful hands to manage 
them. The whale fishery had its rise amidst these and 
other difficulties ; it succeeded, as will be seen in the follow- 
inor pages, in a surprising manner, and in a few years after 
its commencement it became the principal business of the 
place, and the greater part of the people was engaged in its 
various branches. 

A community situated like that of Nantucket, and pursu- 
ing a business almost as insulated as their location, must 
necessarily have some peculiarities. Their manners and 
customs have often been noticed by travellers, and, it may 
be, placed in a more striking contrast with those of the con- 
tinent than comports with strict truth. There is one trait 
in their character, however, to which they may claim un- 
disputed right ; it is a settled, strong, and almost universal 
opinion, that wars are wrong. This aversion to the spirit 



PREFACE. V 

of war, by so great a portion of the people, has often proved 
of material benefit. Their peaceable character has recom- 
mended them to the clemency of the common enemy, and 
in some instances secured to them favors instead of injuries. 
Situated, in a time of war, beyond the protecting arm of 
government, they have been exempted from taking an active 
part in our national contests ; surrounded often by the enemy, 
and always utterly defenceless, they enjoyed a greater immu- 
nity from plunder and devastation than fortified seaports or 
even many inland towns. 

Probably the reader, who may be personally acquainted 
with some of the incidents herein stated, will discover some 
omissions : these may be accounted for in two ways ; first, 
the author has been studiously careful rather to omit some 
trifling affairs, than to wound the feelings of individuals by 
their recital : secondly, although he has taken considerable 
pains, notwithstanding the work is of so small magnitude, to 
collect materials from every authentic source, yet, greatly 
to his mortification, there is very little on record and few 
documents relating to much of the time embraced within 
the limits of the History. 

To write a history of any country or place must be a 
pleasing task to persons possessed with endowments, and 
qualifications necessary for the right performance of such a 
work. History may be properly said to contribute to the 
necessities of our species, inasmuch as the experience of 
past generations is oftentimes the only criterion by which 
to judge of the consequences of present acts. To encourage 
every performance of this kind, is, therefore, the duty of all 
civilized people. It is not pretended, that the work now 
presented to the public is free from errors. It is rendered 
incomplete by want of knowledge on many materia] points. 
Having neither the records nor other manuscripts to appeal 

A* 



Vi PREFACE. 

to for the knowledge necessary to a complete history, the 
author is aware that some errors may have crept into the 
work. Tradition, too often replete with errors, has some- 
times necessarily been appealed to ; but as there is no 
wilful deviation from truth, it is trusted that the reader will 
be favorable in his censure of the work, and consider it as 
it is really meant to be, — A statement of such facts and 
information as have come to the Icnoiuledge of the author ; 
intended for the edification of his family, and such others 
into lohose hands it may chance to fcdl. With this view, he 
is willing to trust to the candor of every considerate reader^ 
without further apology. 



TO THE READER 



This History is substantially the work of Mr. Obed Macy. 
My connexion with it has been limited to such additions and 
verbal alterations, as seemed necessary in the progress of prepar- 
ing it for the press. This notice seems to be due to Mr. Macy, 
as my name was associated with his in the proposals for the 
publication. 

WILLIAM COFFIN. 

JVantucket, June 6, 1835. 



CONTENTS 



PART FIRST. 



CHAPTER I. 

Discovery of the Island of Nantucket — Purchase of the Island 
by Thomas Mayhew — Its sale to Tristram Coffin, and others — 
Sachem-deed to Thomas Mayhew, Tristram Coffin, and others- 
Geographical description of the Island — Soil and Productions. 

CHAPTER II. 

Settlement of the Island by the English — Biography of Thomas 
Macy, the first settler — His removal to Nantucket, accompanied 
by Edward Starbuck — Number of Natives, and their means of 
subsistence — Edward Starbuck returns to Salisbury ; and 
thence proceeds again to Nantucket — Extracts from the Salis- 
bury records — Removal of the first purchasers from Salisbury 
to Nantucket — Treatment of the Indians — Esquire Kadooda — 
Mode of improving the land, and keeping sheep — Divisions 
of land from 1659 to 1822 — Peter Folger — Early customs of 
the settlers — Indian war previous to the settlement by the Eng- 
lish — Indian mode of Fishing — First whale killed — James 
Lopar's engagement to carry on the whale fishery — John 
Savage employed as cooper — Ichabod Paddock employed to 
instruct the inhabitants in the best mode of killing whales and 
extracting their oil — Indians employed in the whaling boats — 
Cod Fishery — Method of saving whales ; and how they were 
descried from the shore — Spermaceti whale found on the 
shore — Prophecy at the Folly Hill House — Choice of a site 
for the town — The Island included within the lines of the 



VIU CONTENTS. 

Province of Massachusetts — First spermaceti whale killed — 
Vessels began to whale " out in the deep " — First wharf — 
Encouraging prospects — Whaling to the " southward " and 
near the Grand Bank 13 

CHAPTER III. 

Religion of the early inhabitants— Their social intercourse — 
Zaccheus Macy — King Philip's visit to the Island — Habits of 
the Indians — Their religious societies — Indian sickness — 
Their final extinction — Threatened insurrection — Court of 
inquiry into the legality of the purchases of land 39 

CHAPTER IV. 

Increase of the whale fishery — Exportation of oil to London — 
Loss of several vessels — Vessels sent to Davis' Straits — En- 
couragement to carry on the whale fishery in England — Places 
visited by whalers before the Revolutionary War — Importa- 
tions of oil between the years 17C2 and 1772 — Prices of oil in 
England between 1742 and 1753 — P(,emovals from the Island — 
Social intercourse — Method of adjusting difficulties — Origin 
of the Society of Friends on Nantucket — Visits of Friends 
to the Island — Thomas Chalkiey — Thomas Story — John 
Griffith — Longevity of the Inhabitants — Diseases — Small Pox 
— Inoculation — Executions of criminals — Author's views of 
capital punishments 50 

CHAPTER V. 

Progress of the whale fishery — First manufactory of sperm can- 
dles in America in Nantucket — Cod Fishery — Jefferson's 
statement of the whale fishery in Massachusetts from 1771 to 
1775— Anticipations of war — Petition of the Friends in Eng- 
land, in belialf of Nantucket — Census between 1719 and 1830 
— Views on war — Value of certain articles in 1712, and sev- 
eral succeeding years — Value of certain articles in 1774 — 
Precautions for the security of property in case of war — 
Sensations produced by accounts of the battle of Lexington — 
Cessation of the whaling business — Employment of the inhab- 
itants — Saltworks — West India trade commenced — Conniiu- 
nication with the continent by boats — Prison-ships — Distress 
for bread and fuel — Valuation for 1778 — Plunder by the Refu- 



CONTENTS. IX 

gees — Committee sent to the British to ask relief— Sir John 
Collier's answer — Threatened attack on the town; by what 
means averted — Policy of the people in relation to self-de- 
fence — Taxes 68 

CHAPTER VI. 

Sufferings during the hard winter of 1780 — Expedients to pro- 
cure fuel — Scarcity of food — Clothing — Swamps laid out for 
digging peat — Petition to the British commander-in-chief for 
certain indulgences — Another petition — Permits granted by 
the British commander, to carry on the whale fishery — Vessels 
under pei*mits taken and released — Continental money — 
Peace — Tonnage captured during the war 107 

CHAPTER VII. 

Preparations for recommencing the whaling business — Valuation 
of 1784 — Prices of oil, provisions, and real estate—Light-houses 
on Great Point, and Brant Point — Cod fishing commenced and 
abandoned — Discouragements to the whale fishery — Petition 
to the Legislature for relief — Bounty granted on oil — Its ill 
effects — Removals to Halifax — Voyages ex,tended — Act of the 
Legislature requiring the oath of allegiance to be taken by 
certain town officers — Petition for relief from that act — In- 
creased consumption of oil — Colored persons engaged in the 
service — Effects of the war on the habits of the people — Pros- 
pect of a market for oil in France — Sealing voyages — First 
whaling voyage from Nantucket to the Pacific — Difficulties 
arising from the European war — Nantucket Bank incorporated 
— Bank robbery — Name of the town changed — Consequences 
of war to Nantucket — Voyage to the East Indies — Burning of 
two barns — French spoliations — Ships detained at St. Mary's 
— Whales killed near the island and brought into the harbor — 
Academy incorporated 119 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Nantucket Bar — Increased consumption of oil and candles — 
Pacific Bank and two insurance offices incorporated — Ships 
detained by the Spaniards—Embarrassments— Encouragements 
— Embargo — Anticipations of war — Removals — Embargo of 
1812 — Memorial to Congress — War — Plans to secure a contin- 



X CONTENTS. 

uance of the whale fishery — Removals — Number of vessels 
belonging to the island — British cruisers — Scarcity of provis- 
ions—Distress — Distrust of the banks — Petition to the Presi- 
dent of the United States — Farming 152 

CHAPTER IX. 

Inoculation — Mail Packet taken by the enemy — Whaling sloop 
taken on the shoals, and afterwards lost — Direct tax — Petition 
of the town to Congress — Anxiety for the arrival of whale 
ships — Effects of the Embargo of 1813 — The Island invested 
with British cruisers — Remarks on privateering — Selectmen 
authorized to import provisions — Gale — Depredations commit- 
ted by a small privateer, and a tender of a British frigate — 
Lights discontinued and buoys removed — Deputation to the 
British naval commander-in-chief — Their instructions — Pri- 
vate deputation — Visit of the Brig Nimrod to Nantucket — 
Negotiations for Neutrality — Town Meeting and its resolu- 
tions on the occasion — Stipulation of Neutrality — Passports to 
vessels to bring provisions, &c. — Return of the town's deputa- 
tion and their report — Town Meeting — Petition to Cogress for 
exemption from direct taxes and internal duties — Letter to 
Commodore Hotham — His reply — Resolutions of the town — 
Battle between the Privateer Neufchatel and the barges of the 
Endymion Frigate 172 

CHAPTER X. 

Peace — Preparations for business — Taxes—Ships leave on whale 
voyages — Newspaper established — Distress in 1817 and mea- 
sures for relief — Prospects more cheering — Other places em- 
bark in the whale fishery — Census of 1810 — Vessels and ton- 
nage in 1821 — Concluding remarks 208 



PART SECOND. 

Captain Benjamin Worth and Washington Gardner's whaling 
service 220 

Description of the outfits of a whale ship and the manner of 
killing whales, &c. . 221 

Description of the right-whale 229 



CONTENTS. XI 

Progress of the whale fishery at Nantucket 232 

Produce of the whale fishery from 1804 to 1834 235 

Loss of a sloop and schooner 236 

Loss of the ship Union 237 

Loss of the ship Essex 242 

Loss of the ship Henry 246 

Loss of the ship Commerce 247 

Loss of a boat's crew on Nantucket Bar 247 

Loss of the ship General Lincoln 248 

Loss of the ship Two Brothers 249 

Loss of the ship Lady Adams 250 

Loss of the ship Lydia 251 

Loss of the ship Franklin 251 

Vessels lost since (he settlement of the island 253 

Proposals from the French government to the people of Nan- 
tucket to remove to Dunkirk 253 

Fishing stages 259 

Siasconset 260 

Zaccheus Macy, account of Nantucket in a letter to the Hist. 

Society 262 

Education 271 

Coffin School 272 

Nantucket Athenaeum 276 

Slavery 277 

Religious Societies 281 

Fires 283 

Poetry 286 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET 

PART I. 
CHAPTER I. 



The Island of Nantucket was first discovered, in 1602, 
by Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, an Englishman. He 
sailed from England in a small bark, with thirty-two per- 
sons bound to Virginia, in search of a proper seat for a 
plantation. Having fallen in with the Cape shore, he 
pursued his course south till he came up with Sandy 
Point, the southern extremity of the county of Barnsta- 
ble, in the state of Massachusetts. It being late in the 
day, to avoid danger, he stood off to sea, and in the night 
came in sight of the white cliffs, at the east end of Nan- 
tucket, now called Sankota Head, the highest land on that 
part of the island. 

Whence arose the name of the island, we are not cer- 
tain, but it is generally supposed that Nauticon, known 
by ancient voyagers, and Nantucket, are the same. 

We find no other record concerning Nantucket until the 

year 1641, at which time the whole island was deeded to 

Thomas Mayhew and his son Thomas by James Forrett, 

agent to William, Earl of Sterling, or Lord Sterling. 

1 



2 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

This being the first deed, of which we have any know- 
ledge, respecting the purchase of the island, we think it 
is reasonable to gratify our readers with a copy of it. 
Though not remarkable in itself, it may be interesting 
to some, since, among other circumstances, it shows the 
origin of the ownership of the island, and the consider- 
ation for which it was bought. It is as follows : 

These presents do witness, That I, James Forrett, 
Gentlli who was Sent over into These parts of America 
by the Honourable the Lord Sterling, with a Commission 
for the ordering and Disposal of all y^ lands that Ly 
between Cape Codd and Hudson's River, (and have 
hitherto Continued my Agency without any contradiction) 
Do hereby Grant unto Thomas Mayhew of Water Town 
Merchant k, to Thomas Mayhew his Son, free Liberty, 
and full power to Them and Their Associates, to plant 
and inhabit upon Nantucket and Two other Small Islands 
adjacent and To Enjoy the Said Islands, To Them, their 
heirs and assigns for ever, provided that They the Said 
Thomas Mayhew and Thomas Mayhew his son, or Either 
of Them, or their associates, Do Render and give yearly 
unto the HonM!: the Lord Sterling, his heirs or assigns, 
Such an acknowledgment as shall be Thought fit by John 
Wintrop the Eld!L Esq!l_ or any Two Magistrates in the 
Massachusetts Bay, being chosen for that End and pur- 
pose, by the Honljl^ the Lord Sterling, or his deputy, and 
by the said Thomas Mayhew h Thomas Mayhew his 
son, or Their Associates. It is agreed That the Govern- 
ment that the Said Thomas Mayhew, and Thomas May- 
hew his Son, and Their Associates, Shall Set up There, 
shall be such as is now Establisht, in the Massachusetts 



HISTORY OP NANTUCKET. 3 

aforesaid ; and That the Said Thomas Mayhew and 
Thomas Mayhew his Son, and Their Associates, shall 
have as much Privihg, Touching Their Planting, Inhabit- 
ants and Enjoying of all and every part of the premises, 
as by Patent is granted to the Patentees of the Massa- 
chusetts aforesaid, and Their Associates. 

In witness hereof, I, the said James Forrett, have here- 
unto set my hand and Seal, this 13th day of October, 
1641. 

James Forrett. [l. s.] 
Signed, sealed, and delivered, in the presence of us, 
Robert Corner, 

Nicolas Davison, and * 

Richard Stileman. 
This is a true copy of the record, as is attested this 14th 
day of April, 1674, per me, 

Matthias Nicolls, Sec^y. 

Although we find, in the body of the deed, that it was 
made to the Mayhews and their associates, yet it was not 
conveyed to the associates until the 2d of the fifth month, 
1659; the reason of which was, that the Mayhews could 
not purchase of the natives the Sachem right, until the 
befoiementioned date, and those who intended to join the 
association were not disposed to engage until that was 
effected. It may be observed, that the place of record of 
the foregoing instrument is not mentioned ; but, on refer- 
ence to other documents, it is placed beyond doubt that 
it was done in New York. At that early period the 
island was under the jurisdiction of New York; which 
will be shown more particularly in its proper place. 

The following instrument being the principal convey- 



4 HISTORY OP NANTUCKET. 

ance by which the owners of the island became legally 
possessed of it, it is thought expedient to insert it at 
large. 

MR. MAYHEW'S BILL OF SALE. 

Be it known, unto all men, by these presents, that I, 
Thomas Mayhew, of Marther's Vineyard, merchant, do 
hereby acknowledge, that I have sold unto Tristram Coffin, 
Thomas Macy, Christopher Hussey, Richard Swain, 
Thomas Barnard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, John 
Swain, and Wilham Pile, all that right and interest that 
I have in the island of Nantucket by Patent, the right 
I bought of James Forrett, steward to the Lord Sterling, 
and Richard Vines, sometimes of Saco, gentleman, steward 
general to Sir Fardinando George, knight, as by convey- 
ance, under their hands and seals, appeareth, for them, the 
aforesaid, to enjoy, and their heirs and assigns for ever, 
with all the privileges thereunto belonging, for and in 
consideration of the sum of Thirty pounds of current pay, 
unto whomsoever I, the said Thomas Mayhew, my heirs 
or assigns, shall appoint, and also, two Beaver hats, one for 
myself and one for my Wife ; and further, this is to de- 
clare, that I, the said Thomas Mayhew, have reserved to 
myself that neck upon Nantucket, called Masquetuck, 
or that neck of Land called Nashayte, the neck but 
one northerly of Masquetuck, the aforesaid sale in any 
wise notwithstanding ; and further I, the said Thomas 
Mayhew, am to bear my part of the charges of the said 
purchases above named, and to hold one twentieth part 
of all lands purchased already, or shall be hereafter pur- 
chased, upon the Island, by the Purchasers aforesaid, to 
their heirs and assigns forever ; because it is that I really 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 5 

sold all my Patent right to the aforesaid nine men, and 
they are to pay me, or whomsoever I shall appoint them, 
the sum of Thirty pounds in merchantable pay, in the 
Massachusetts, under which Government they now Inhabit, 
and two Beaver Hats ; and I am to bear one twentieth 
part of the charges of the purchase ; and to have a 
twentieth part of all lands and privileges, and to have 
which of the necks abovesaid that I will, myself paying 
for it only, the Purchasers are to pay what the Sachem is 
to have for Masquetuck, though I take the other neck. 
And, in witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand 
and seal, this second day of July, [which was then the 
fifth month according to the style,] 1659. 

Per me, Thomas Mayhew. [l. s.] 

Witness i '^^"^ Smith, 

' ( Edward Scale. 

Although there was a verbal agreement made by the 
Sachems, to sell Thomas Mayhew a large part of the 
island, yet it was not formally concluded until a number 
of families had moved and settled there, at which time it 
was conveyed by the Sachems to the associates, by the 
following instrument, which is the first to be found on the 
records of the island : 

These presents witness. May the tenth, sixteen hundred 
and sixty, that we, Wanackmamack and Nickanoose, 
head Sachems of Nantucket island, do give, grant, bar- 
gain, and sell, unto Mr. Thomas Mayhew of Martin's 
Vineyard, Tristram Coffin, seniors, Thomas Macy, Chris- 
topher Hussey, Richard Swain, Peter Coffin, Stephen 
Greanleaf, Thomas Barnard, John Swain, and William 
Pile, all the Land, Meadow, Marshes, Timber and Wood, 



\ 



6 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

and all appurtenances thereunto belonging, and being and 
lying from the west end of the island of Nantucket, unto 
the Pond, called by the Indians, Waqutuquab, and from 
the head of that Pond, upon a straight line, unto the Pond 
situated by Monomoy Harbour or Creek, now called 
Wheeler's Creek, and so from the northeast corner of the 
said Pond to the Sea, that is to say, all the right that we, 
the aforesaid Sachems, have in the said tract of Land, 
provided that none of the Indian Inhabitants, in or about 
the wood land, or whatsoever Indians, within the last 
purchase of land, from the head of the Pond to Monomoy 
Harbour, shall be removed w^ithout full satisfaction. And 
we, the aforesaid Sachems, do give, grant, bargain, and 
sell, the one half of the remainder of the Meadows and 
Marshes upon all other parts of the Islands. And also, 
that the English people shall have what grass they shall 
need for to mow, out of the remainder of the Meadows 
.and Marshes on the island, so long as the English remain 
upon -the Island, and also free liberty for Timber and Wood, 
upon any part of the island within the jurisdiction. And 
also, we, the aforesaid Sachems, do fully grant free liberty 
to the English for the feeding all sorts of Cattle on any 
part of the island, after Indian harvest is ended until 
planting time, or until the first day of May, from year to 
year for ever, for and in consideration of twelve pounds 
already paid, and fourteen pounds to be paid within three 
months after the date hereof. 

To have and to hold the aforesaid purchase of land, 
and other appurtenances, as aforementioned, to them, 
Mr. Thomas Macy, Tristram Coffin, Thomas Mayhew, 
and the rest, aforementioned, and their heirs and assigns, 
for ever. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 7 

In witness whereof, we, the said Sachems, have here-*"^ 
unto set our hands and seals, the day and year above 
written. 

The sign of Wanackmamack, [ S. ] 
The sign of Nickanoose. [ S. ] 
Signed, sealed and delivered, in the presence of us, 
Peter Folger, 
Felix Kuttashamaq,uat, 
Edward Starbuck. 

I do witness this deed to be a true deed, according to 
the interpretation of Felix the interpreter ; also, I heard 
Wanackmamack, but two weeks ago, say that the sale, 
made by Nickanoose and he, should be good, and that 
they would do so, whatever comes of it. 

Witness my hand, this 17th of first month, 1664. 

Peter Folger. 

Witness, 

Mary Starbuck, 

The mark of John (J. C.) Coffin. 

Wanackmamack and Nickanoose acknowledged the 
above written to be their act and deed, in the presence of 
the General Court, this 12th of June, 1677, as attest. 

Matthew Mayhew, 
Secretary to the Gen. Court. 

The island v/as now fairly purchased of the original 
patentee, and a greater part of it of the natives. It was 
owned by an association, tnost of whom resided at Salis- 
bury, in the county of Essex, in Massachusetts. The 
purchasers immediately began to make their arrangements 



8 HISTORY OP NANTUCKET. 

to move thither with their families, and to improve the 
land. Accordingly, in the year 1659, the first family 
settled in the place, of which family a more particular 
account will hereafter be given. 

The Island of Nantucket is situated about 30 miles 
south of the main or continent ; 60 miles S. E. from 
New Bedford ; 100 miles S. S. E. from Boston : and 
382 miles E. N. E. from Philadelphia. It lies in north 
latitude 41® 15' 22"; in west longitude 70® 7' 56^ It 
contains nearly 30,000 acres of land, and is about 14 
miles long, east and west, and 3^ broad, on an average, 
north and south. The principal harbor is on the north 
side, in the bottom or bend of an extensive bay, which is 
formed by two projecting points, one at the N. E. and 
the other at the N. W. part of the island ; both of which 
extend in a northwesterly direction. The most western 
of these points is called Smith's Point, the other Sandy 
or Great Point; on the latter stands a light-house. The 
harbor is nearly landlocked by two points of beach, about 
three quarters of a mile apart, one on the east called 
Coetue, the other on the west, called Brant Point. 
Within these points, and on the west side, are the wharves 
and town. Nearly two miles from the shore, to the 
northward of the harbor, is a bar, which all vessels, com- 
ing in or out, are under the necessity of passing. Vessels 
drawing nine feet of water may, with good pilots, pass 
over, this bar and into the harbor. When a vessel comes 
to the bar drawing too great a draft of water to admit of 
her passing it with safety, lighters are sent, into which her 
cargo is discharged till she is sufficiently lightened. 

The many shoals to the eastward of the island, and the 
great South Shoal to the southward, render the navigation 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 9 

difficult and compel those not acquainted to keep a safe 
distance at sea. Although there are no ledges of rocks, 
nor rocky shores, around the island, yet it is not unfre- 
quent, especially in the winter, that vessels lose their way 
and are wrecked on some part. Such misfortunes, though 
causing much destruction of property, are not frequently 
attended with loss of lives. 

The channel or sound, between the island and conti- 
nent, is safe for vessels drawing sixteen feet of water ; a 
greater depth would subject them to danger. 

On the north of Smith's Point, before mentioned, which 
projects several miles in a northwesterly direction, is 
Tuckernuck, an island containing about 1,000 acres of 
land, and inhabited by a few families. This island was 
once covered with wood, but is now bare except about 
a hundred acres, from which sheep and cattle have, for a 
few years, been excluded, and which are now occupied 
by thriving forest trees. There are two other islands a 
little to the north and west of Tuckernuck, one called 
Muskeeket, the other Gravelly Island ; both are small and 
sandy, and without inhabitants. 

The Island of Nantucket is generally of a sandy soil, 
and would not rate above a middling quality, compared 
with the adjacent continent, although, when first settled 
by the English, the soil was good and produced equal to 
any part of the country. In proof of this, the following 
account of the luxuriancy of the soil, though many years 
after the island was settled, will show, in some degree, 
the great contrast between that time and the present. 
Ebenezer Barnard, a man of strict veracity, in the year 
1729, tilled five acres in the general cornfield, at that time 
on the north side of the island, between the Long Pond, so 



10 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

called, and the west end of the town, a tract of land below 
the medium quality. From these five acres he gathered 
250 bushels of good corn, and this quantity was con- 
sidered rather less than an average for that year's growth. 
This may be accounted an uncommon growth for any 
country, still we are inclined to believe in the correctness 
of the account. The following will show the diminished 
fertility of the land from that time. In the year 1773, 
the cornfield was at Madaket and Smith's Point, at the 
northwesterly part of the island. The land then pro- 
duced 20 bushels, on an average, to the acre, which was 
considered a remarkably good crop. Since that time the 
crops have gradually lessened, and within a few years 
they would not average more than 10 or 15 bushels to 
the acre. There are many reasons which might be 
assigned for this declension : amongst these, the following 
may be worthy of consideration. At the time of the 
settlement of the island it was covered with wood, which 
protected the crops from the raw easterly winds, and by 
a continued supply of falling leaves and other decaying 
vegetation preserved the richness of the soil. The fre- 
quent ploughing of the land, since it was cleared of trees, 
has exposed the soil to the action of bleak winds, to 
which the island is very subject, and by which it is blown 
into the sea. Besides the plentiful production of corn, 
much wheat was raised. These and other productions 
sometimes exceeded the wants of the inhabitants, and 
were carried to Boston and other places to be exchanged 
for other articles of merchandise. 

The land, weakened by the causes above-mentioned, 
has in many places been overrun by beach grass, which 
has advanced from the margin of the sea towards the 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 11 

interior, and covered large tracts. This kind of grass 
grows best in a sandy soil ; it rises to the height of about 
two feet, and is better calculated for brooms than for fod- 
der : early in the spring, however, when it begins to 
grow, it is tender and wholesome food for all kinds of 
stock. Notwithstanding the many causes which have 
operated to diminish the natural fertility of the soil, there 
are many hundreds of acres under good improvement, 
which produce heavy growths of hay, corn, and the com- 
mon culinary vegetables. There are some excellent 
farms and fine gardens, in which some of the luxuries, as 
well as many of the necessaries, of life are annually raised. 
The cultivation of the grape has, within a few years, 
attracted the attention of several agriculturists, and it has 
been proved that both the soil and climate are admirably 
adapted to the cultivation of this delicious fruit. Hun- 
dreds of bushels of the Isabella, and considerable quan- 
tities of other kinds, are annually produced. 

The wood, that grew here, was of the same kind as that 
found on the adjacent parts of the continent. A great 
proportion of it was oak, of an uncommonly hard and 
firm texture. It was used for the frames of houses and 
other mechanical purposes : some buildings, now standing, 
framed of this wood, appear to be as sound as ever. 

The face of the island is generally level; there are 
some elevations but no remarkably high hills. There is 
a considerable number of ponds, some pretty extensive, 
and well supplied with fish, others small, and serving only 
as watering places for cattle, or resorts of small shore 
birds, which are numerous. There are also many swamps, 
some containing from 100 to 300 acres; those situated 
near the town have been cleared, and made into valuable 



12 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

meadow land. A considerable quantity of good salt 
meadow is found bordering on the numerous creeks. But 
few rocks and not many stony places are to be met with. 
Among the minerals, found on the island, may be named 
large beds of blue clay, and also of peat, as abounding. 
Boulders of granite are common on the hills ; specimens 
of bog iron are found in one location. Fragments of feld- 
spar and porphyry are common. Pebbles of jasper are 
found on the seashore, and handsome specimens of am- 
ber are occasionally picked up there. Fossil shells are 
often found at considerable depths, when sinking wells. 

The inquiry is frequently made by strangers, whether 
the island increases or decreases in size. On the author- 
ity of long and accurate observation it may be stated, that 
there has been a decrease, and in some places to a con- 
siderable extent. On the east and south some hundreds 
of acres have been washed away, and, if we may credit 
the accounts of our ancestors, a greater quantity from the 
north. 

If the decrease were in regular proportions from year 
to year, it might be ascertained, by a simple calculation, at 
what time the whole island would become extinct. But 
this cannot be done ; for in some years there is even an 
increase, in others but little loss, in others again, in con- 
sequence of hard and repeated storms, such has been the 
waste, that the final destruction would seem to be the 
easy work of a very few centuries. 



(13) 



CHAPTER II. 

The first emigration of the whites, or English, to the 
island being one of the most interesting parts of this ac- 
count, we shall endeavor to be as explicit on the subject 
as the nature of the work, and the means possessed, will 
admit. Our information, however, falls far short of what 
is necessary to form a complete history. 

Thomas Macy being the first settler, it will not be 
deemed a needless digression, to state what we know of 
his early biography. In the year 1640, being then a 
young man, he moved with his family from the town of 
Chilmark, in Wiltshire, England, and settled in Salisbury, 
county of Essex, in Massachusetts. He lived here in good 
repute twenty years, where he acquired a good interest, 
consisting of a tract of land of 1,000 acres, a good house, 
and considerable stock. But when this part of the country 
became more thickly settled by the English, dissensions 
arose among, the people in regard to religion and religious 
denominations. Notwithstanding the purpose of their 
emigration from the mother country was that they might 
enjoy liberty of conscience in religious matters, they 
themselves commenced the work of persecution, and 
enacted laws to restrain people from worshipping God 
according to the dictates of their consciences. Among 
other restraints, a law was made, that any person, who 
should entertain one of the people called Quakers, should 
pay a fine of five pounds for every hour during which he 



14 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

SO entertained them. Thomas Macy subjected himself to 
the rigor of this law by giving shelter to four Quakers, who 
stopped at his house in a rain storm. This act was soon 
sounded abroad, for, being influenced by a sense of duty, 
he had used no means to conceal it. Being cited to 
answer for the offence, he addressed the following letter 
to the court, the original of which is preserved in the 
cabinet of the Nantucket Athenaeum : — 

" This is to entreat the honoured Court not to be 
offended because of my non-appearance. It is not from 
my slighting the authority of the honoured Court, nor fear 
to answer the case ; but have been for some weeks past 
very ill, and am so at present ; and notwithstanding my 
illness, yet I, desirous to appear, have done my utmost 
endeavor to hire a horse, but cannot procure one at 
present. I, being at present destitute, have endeavored 
to purchase one, but at present cannot attain it — but I 
shall relate the truth of the case, as my answer would be 
to the honoured Court — and more cannot be proved, nor 
so much. On a rainy morning, there came to my house, 
Edward Wharton and three men more ; ' the said Whar- 
ton spoke to me, saying that they were travelling eastward, 
and desired me to direct them in tlie w^ay to Hampton ; 
and never saw any of the men afore except Wharton, 
neither did I enquire their names or what they were ; but 
by their carriage I thought they might be Quakers, and 
said I so : and therefore desired them to pass on, in their 



^ Two of these men were William Robinson, merchant, of London, 
and Marmaduke Stephenson, of Yorkshire, England. They were 
hanged in Boston, on the 27th of the 10th month, 1G59, for supporting 
the Christian principle, as believed by the people called Quakers. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 15 

way — saying to them, I might possibly give offence in en- 
tertaining them, and soon as the violence of the rain ceased, 
(for it rained hard,) they went away, and I never saw them 
since. The time that they staid in the house was about 
three quarters of an hour ; they spoke not many words, 
in the time, neither was I at leisure to talk with them ; 
for I came home wet to the skin, immediately afore they 
came to the house ; and I found my wife sick in bed. If 
this satisfy not the honoured Court, I shall submit to their 
sentence. I have not willingly ofiended — I am ready to 
serve and obey you in the Lord. 

27 of 8th mo. '59, [1659.] Thomas Macy.'^ 

He could now live no longer in peace, and in the en- 
joyment of religious freedom, among his own nation ; he 
chose therefore to remove his family to a place unsettled 
by the whites, to take up his abode among savages, where 
he could safely imitate the example and obey the precepts 
of our Saviour, and where religious zeal had not yet dis- 
covered a crime In hospitality, nor the refinements of civil 
law, a punishment for its practice. In the fall of 1659, 
he embarked in an open boat, with his family and such 
effects as he could conveniently take with him, and, with 
the assistance of Edw^ard Starbuck, proceeded along the 
shore to the westward. When they came to Boston bay, 
they crossed It, passed round Cape Cod, and extended 
their course by the shore until they were abreast of the 
island to the northward, thence they crossed the sound, 
and landed on Nantucket without accident. Thus we 
see, that the same persecuting spirit, that drove our fore- 
fathers from England, drove Thomas Macy from our 
orefathers ; that the same undaunted courage, which 



16 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

enabled them to breast the storm, and dare the wave^ in 
search of a free akar and a safe home, prompted him, in 
search of the same blessings, to meet the same dangers. 
He sacrificed his property and his home to his religion ; 
he found both in a remote region hitherto hardly known. 
His religion, we mean not its name, but its spirit, has been 
transmitted to the present generation, unsullied by the 
crime of persecution or by the disgrace of inhospitality. 

The first care of these strangers was to cultivate a good 
understanding with the natives, whom they found very 
numerous, and who flocked around them with seeming 
amazement, having never before had an opportunity to 
see English people on the island. The natives were kind 
and hospitable, and readily lent their aid and assistance 
whenever they could make themselves useful ; being 
fully satisfied that these new comers had not landed 
among them with hostile intentions, but in search of a 
comfortable subsistence. Macy now examined the island 
adjacent to the place of landing, and finally chose a spot 
for settlement on the south east side of Madaket harbor, 
where he found a rich soil and an excellent spring of 
water. The harbor above-mentioned was undoubtedly 
thought to be more convenient for navigation, than the 
one on which the town is now built : but when the island 
became more peopled, the present situation of the town 
was preferred to Madaket, and the latter was accordingly 
abandoned. 

It being now late in the fall, the first care was to build 
a shelter for the family against the inclemency of the 
approaching season. After this was accomplished, they 
commenced a particular examination of the character of the 
place and of the people. They found the island covered 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 17 

with wood, and inhabited by about fifteen hundred Indians, 
who depended for subsistence on fishing, fowling, and 
hunting. Game was remarkably plenty, and continued so 
many years afterward ; and the adjacent shores and waters 
abounded with many kinds of fish. Here they spent the 
winter, a single family, confined on an island among native 
Indians, of whose character and language they were almost 
entirely ignorant. In the spring following, Edward Star- 
buck found means to return to Salisbury, where he was 
met with rejoicings by his friends, who, sensible of his 
hazardous undertaking, had felt doubtful of his safe re- 
turn. He was now able to give satisfactory information 
concerning many important things, of which before they 
were entirely ignorant. This information was the more 
interesting, because, as appears by the earliest records, a 
considerable number of the people of Salisbury had it in 
contemplation to remove with their families to the island, 
about the time when Thomas Macy went there. In 
1660, Edward Starbuck returned to the island, accom- 
panied by eight or ten families. 

It appears on record, that a number of persons at Salis- 
bury associated and purchased the patent-right of the 
island. A short transcript of this record will explain, in 
a clearer method than It can otherwise be done, the pre- 
liminary means by which the island became settled by 
white inhabitants. 

Salisbury. '^ Town order 2d of July, 1659 ; These 
persons after mentioned did buy all right and interest of 
the Island of Nantucket, that did belong to Sir Ferdinando 
George, and the Lord Sterling ; Mr. Richard Vines 
Steward, Gentleman to Sir Ferdinando Georijes : and 
2 



18 • HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Mr. James Ferret, Steward to the Lord Sterling ; which 
was by them sold unto Mr. Thomas Mayhew of Martha's 
Vmeyard, these after mentioned did purchase of Mr. 
Thomas Mayhew these rights, namely, the Patent-rights 
belonging to the Gentlemen aforesaid, and also the parcel 
of land, which Mr. Mayhew did purchase of the Indians 
at the west end of the Island of Nantucket, as by their 
grant or bill of sale will largely appear, with all the 
privileges and appurtenances thereof." 

" The aforesaid purchasers are, Tristram Coffin, senior, 
Thomas Macy, Richard Swain, Thomas Barnard, Peter 
Coffin, Christopher Hussey, Stephen Greenlief, John 
Swain and William Pile ; and Thomas Mayhew retained 
one tenth In his own right ; they had the whole and 
sole interest, disposal, power and privileges of the said 
Island, and appurtenances thereof. (Thomas Mayhew 
furthermore retained In his own right, separate from the 
association, that part of the Island called Masquetuck, or 
Quaise.") 

" The aforesaid ten persons were called the first ten 
purchasers of the Patent-right of the Island. — For a more 
particular description the reader Is referred to the county 
records of Nantucket ; where may be found many other 
extracts from the original records at Salisbury, concern- 
ing the establishment of the first proprietorship of the 
Island." 

•'■ The aforesaid ten purchasers, finding It necessary to 
encourage emigration to the Island, agreed at a meeting 
held at Salisbury In the year 1659, which is the same 
year the first purchase was made, for each owner to take 
in a partner or associate, which should be left to the choice 
of each Individual to elect one. The persons so chosen 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 19 

were John Smith, Nathaniel Starbuck, Robert Pike, 
Thomas Look, Robert Barnard, James Coffin, Tristram 
Coffin, junior, Thomas Coleman, Edward Starbuck, and 
Thomas Mayhevv, They agreed, at the same meeting, 
that all purchases made of the Indians by any of the 
associates at any time hereafter, should be for and on 
account of the whole Proprietorship. This was done to 
prevent any contrivance in one's taking the advantage 
over another, which was generally adhered to, until all 
the Island was purchased of the Indians." 

After this they removed with their families, and took 
possession by agreement of such parts as were best suited 
to their interest or convenience. Still they found it ne- 
cessary to add to the number of inhabitants ; and particu- 
larly to encourage the emigration of mechanics and other 
artists. To effect this they offered to such, if they would 
come and settle among them, certain parts of shares in all 
the privileges they themselves enjoyed. By this means 
the number of shares was increased to twenty-seven, 
which still continues to be the nrmber of shares, under 
the denomination of the common and undivided land on 
the island of Nantucket. 

These twenty-seven shares include the whole island, 
except the place called Quaise or Masquetuck, which 
Thomas Mayhew reserved to himself, when he conveyed 
the island to the first ten purchasers, as stated in his 
deed. It is to be understood that the Sachem right was 
not bought at the time of the aforesaid conveyance, but 
that it was purchased afterwards, by the English, and at 
different times until the natives had sold all their right 
throughout the island. These purchases from the natives 
were numerous. It was found that they owned the land 



20 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

in small tracts, each one having his own bounds to an 
exactness that was surprising, considering that the culture 
of the land was not then an object of importance to them. 
Although the natives sold their rights in the land, it was 
always considered good policy to allow them the privilege 
of tilling as much as they pleased, for through this indul- 
gence they were encouraged to contribute to their own 
wants by their own industry. It was the usual practice, 
of the Indians in the spring, previous to undertaking 
voyages in the whaling service, to plough as much land 
as would be sufficient for their families during the suc- 
ceeding summer, except some unavoidable occurrence 
should prevent, in which case they were assisted by 
the English. But notwithstanding this encouragement it 
frequently occurred, either through indolence or inebri- 
ety, that little or no care was taken to provide for their 
families. This neglect finally became so troublesome to 
the English, that in process of time it became necessary 
to resort to some remedy. The expedient adopted was 
this ; one of the most firm and intelligent of the natives, 
by the name of Kadooda, was selected and deputized as 
an auxiliary justice of the peace. It was made his duty 
to decide on such complaints for trivial offences as might 
come before him. Neglect of tilling the ground was not 
one of the least crimes that came under his jurisdiction. 
In some instances he was authorized, or rather indulged, 
to inflict corporal punishment. His mode of administering 
justice was in many cases found of real benefit ; yet in 
some others, the legal justices found their interference 
necessary, since Esquire Kadooda was liable to extend his 
authority beyond the bounds of prudence. It is related, 
we cannot say with what correctness, that, in some cases 
brought before him, his first proceeding was to order both 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 21 

parties to be severely whipped. It is further said, that 
this process had the effect of lessening the number of 
complaints, and of rendering his duties light ; and that 
otherwise his whole time would have been taken up in 
his official calling. Whatever may be the truth of this 
matter, one thing is certain, that " Kadooda's laws,'* have 
become proverbial ; and it is not going too far, we think, 
to say that their adoption, even in our times, if not strictly 
legal, would, in some instances, be morally just. 

The next consideration of moment, was the best method 
of improvement. It must be borne in mind, that, at this 
period, there was but a small portion of land cleared, and 
capable of being stocked or tilled to advantage. On this 
account it was agreed by the proprietors, as we may now 
style them, that the privilege of stocking to each share, 
should be limited by the extent of the land cleared ; and 
that each proprietor should stock his own, at his own 
election, allowing eight sheep to be equal to one neat 
beast, and two neat beasts to one horse. As the land 
became more cleared, the privilege of stocking was ex- 
tended to each share until it amounted to seven hundred 
and twenty sheep, or other stock in the proportion above 
stated. Thus the stocking privilege of the proprietors 
collectively, amounts to twenty-seven times seven hun- 
dred and twenty, or nineteen thousand four hundred and 
forty sheep, — or two thousand four hundred and thirty 
neat beasts, — or one thousand two hundred and fifteen 
horses, — or to a part of each according to the interest or 
convenience of each proprietor. 

At the same time, and from year to year, a certain 
tract was fenced off from the stock and appropriated to a 
general corn field, which was laid out into twenty-seven 



22 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

shares ; and the proprietors of each share improved 
their own privileges according to a subdivision among 
themselves. The proprietors of these corn fields rarely 
manured them ; hence they gathered small crops, aver- 
aging about fifteen, but sometimes not exceeding ten 
bushels to the acre. This practice continued more than 
an hundred years in succession ; but within a few years, 
it is said that the land is so worn out, and the soil blown 
into the sea, that the produce will not pay the expense 
of cultivation. On this account the field is for the present 
not laid out. 

The island being owned and improved in common, the 
sheep have not had that attention in the winter, which it 
is the general practice of farmers in the country to give 
to them. They are suffered to run at large throughout 
the year, exposed in winter to the bleak winds and cold 
storms, with no place of shelter provided for them. The 
forest has disappeared, and the greatest part of the island 
is left a naked plain, where the gale meets with no 
obstruction and animals find no refuge. It sometimes 
happens that many sheep are covered in heavy falls of 
snow, and perish before relief can be afforded, though a 
large number of men are employed to release them. This 
mode of keeping sheep may to some appear wrong and 
even cruel ; but it may be observed that the proprietors 
have always been in that practice, and, by long custom, 
have become so reconciled to the measure, that the 
thought of doinor wrono^ has almost become extinct. 
There are generally from eight to ten thousand sheep 
owned on the island. 

The proprietors, in the early period of the settlement, 
found it most conducive to their interest and convenience 



372 16 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 23 

to lay out in severalty certain tracts or parcels of land 
into twenty-seven shares, in order that each proprietor 
might enjoy and improve his own share, as suited him 
best. The following schedule will present at one view 
all the different tracts laid out, when they were laid out, 
and the quantity of each. 



t)ate. Acres. Rods. 

1659. Quaise or Masquetuck, which Thomas >^ 
Mayhew reserved to himself when { 
the island was conveyed by him to < 
the associates. 

'• Special grants at different times. 

" Held by possession by sundry people. 
1678. Shimmo and Showkemmo Meadow. 

" Podpis Meadow. 

*' South Monomoy. 

" Wesco Acre lots, within the town. 
1717. Fish Lots, " " " 

" Shimmo, 
1723. House Lots, 

" Ware House Lot, within the town, 
1723 and 1777. Swamps, 
1744. Bochocheco, within the town, 
1732. Brant Point Meadow, 
1678. Pookoomo Meadow, salt, and fresh, 
1726 — 7. West Monomoy, within the town, 

" South Monomoy, 
1765. North Beach, 1st division, 
1805. North Beach, 2d " 
1765. and 1805. South Beach, 1st and 2nd 

division, 
1775. Southeast quarter of the island, 

1778. Croskatu, 

1779. Squam and Pookoomo, 



79 


77 


17 


130 


36 


94 


14 


108 


87 


150 


27 


— 


24 


158 


121 


35 


1242 


— 




64 


534 


119 


2 


61 


23 


92 


34 


— 


73 


54 


71 


78 


4 


— 


32 


110 


15 


92 


2456 


158 


349 


146 


2109 


29 



24 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



1776. 


Maddekeet Swamp, 


68 




iC 


Maddekeet Meadow, 


27 


17 


1813. 


Plainfield, 


2173 


154 


1810. 


Gibb's Swamp, 


380 


, 


1820. 


A tract of land called the Woods, 


not 






a tree upon it, 


513 




(C 


Foot of the Plains, 


506 


. . ■ 



" Salt Meadow, at the west end of the 

island, 70 — 

1821. Middle Pasture, 2106 — 

" North Pasture, 1587 — 

'' Trot's Hills, 513 — 

'' Great Neck, 304 — 

'' Head of the Plains, 567 — 

'^ Smooth Hummocks, 1566 — 

" Maddekeet, 274 — 



18,387 22 
According to a survey of the whole ^ 

island, made in 1813, it was found > 29,380 67 
that it contained, N 



1822. Which leaves of the common land ) , ^ t^r^n, nf\ 
undivided, \ 10'^^^ 69 

It is believed, by many, that nearly all the divisions of 
common land, made since 1775, have proved detrimental 
to the interests of the proprietors generally ; and it is 
urged that every instance of division has had a tendency 
to destroy the system by which the proprietors were 
governed in their corporate capacity, and so to change 
the mode of improvement as to render the land less pro- 
ductive. This has had a very material effect to lessen 
the price of land of that description. 

The records of the first proprietors were kept at Salis- 
bury, where, together with the house in which they were 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 25 

kept, they were burnt by accident. This circumstance 
occasioned some embarrassment, as no part was preserved 
except a few extracts which had occasionally been made. 

It is not our purpose to enter particularly into the pro- 
ceedings of the proprietors, or to record the rules, orders 
and regulations, by which they have governed themselves. 
A volume would be required for this purpose, and it would 
then be understood by few, and fewer still, perhaps, would 
be interested in it. 

The settlers found themselves among a race of beings 
who were peaceable, when well used ; they were careful, 
therefore, to keep up a good understanding with them. 
The natives were willing to labor for them, provided they 
were in some way compensat(?d ; they were also willing 
to sell their land, which was from time to time purchased 
of them ; the whites never presuming to claim privileges 
which they had not fairly paid for. Deeds of conveyance 
were made and recorded whenever there were any pur- 
chases, and a right was always granted to the natives, 
notwithstanding the sale of their lands, to use as much as 
was necessary for the support of their families. 

The first mill, of which we have any record, was one built 
in 1666, for grinding corn. During the previous year, 
the town voted to have a mill to grind their grain, which 
was to go by horse power. This vote, we know not for 
what reason, was not carried into effect. The one which 
they erected was carried by water, and was located on 
Wesco Pond. Peter Folger was agreed with to keep 
this mill, and his toll was fixed at two quarts for each 
bushel. This Peter Folger was an inhabhant of Martha's 
Vineyard. He was invited to remove with his family to 
Nantucket, to officiate as miller, weaver, and interpreter 



26 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

of the Indian language ; his son Eleazer was to act as 
shoemaker ; and, as a proper encouragement to these 
several occupations, a grant of one half of a share of land, 
with all the accommodations thereunto belonging, was 
made to the father. He accepted the invitation, and, in 
1663, removed thither. In 1667 he took charge of the 
mill. Besides laboring in the callings above-mentioned, 
he acted as surveyor of land. 

The inhabitants did not immediately conclude, upon 
what part of the island to establish the town. Each one, 
according to his occupation, whether farming or fishing, 
took up his residence and homestead on the part most 
suited to his calling, having regard to his ownership. But 
they generally chose to settle on the north side of the 
island, finding there the best land and the best springs of 
water. 

The number of inhabitants was now fast increasing. 
They had amongst them a sufficient number of mechanics 
and other artisans to perform all the different branches 
of business necessary for their comfortable subsistence. 
Rules and re>Tulations were established for their own 
government ; but the records of those times are nearly 
silent on this subject. Two reasons may be assigned for 
this ; first, the number of inhabitants was yet small, and 
as each attended to his own business, they did not require 
much formality in their government ; second, they were 
so illiterate that the little of their writings that have come 
down to us, is hardly legible or intelligible. The occu- 
pation of the people was such as to require little school 
education. The farmers, the fishermen and mechanics, 
exchanged their commodities with each other without 
keeping regular accounts, Their natural dependence and 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 27 

common wants led them to be obliging and accommodat- 
ing. A piece of chalk and the inside of a door frequently 
supplied the place of pen and day-book ; indeed, many of 
their business transactions were trusted wholly to mem- 
ory. If the farmer happened to be out of certain articles, 
which he expected to reap from his land in proper season 
of gathering, he would borrow of his neighbor, who 
would lend without reluctance. These were debts of the 
highest responsibility, and were always carefully paid. 

Although the natives were kind and obliging to the 
English, yet it was discovered that they had not always 
lived in harmony among themselves. A little previous 
to the settlement by the whites, there had been a war 
between the tribes of the east and those of the west end 
of the island. The mode In which this controversy was 
settled is somewhat singular. The king of the west end 
married the daughter of the king of the east ; after this pre- 
liminary, they agreed on a divison line across the island, 
running north and south, and covenanted that if the sub- 
jects of either party crossed it with hostile intentions, they 
should be immediately put to death. After this treaty of 
peace the parties were never again at war with each 
other. 

The whaling business w^as not commenced, till several 
years after the settlement of the island. In the interval 
the people were occupied in farming, or in fishing near 
the shores. Fish were plenty and easily caught. The 
Indians were instructed in the mode of fishing practised 
by the whites, and In return the whites were assisted by 
the Indians in pursuing the business. Previous to their 
acquaintance with the English, the natives fished with a 
rude line of twisted grass, to which they attached a large 



28 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

atone for a sinker, and a clumsy hook of bone. Some of 
the sinkers, just mentioned, remain to this day. They 
resemble a ship's block in form, and weigh two or three 
pounds. With this inconvenient apparatus they caught 
but few fish, compared with the number attained by the 
better adapted hook and line of the Europeans. 

The first whaling expedition was undertaken by some 
of the original purchasers of the island ; the circumstances 
of which are handed down by tradition, and are as fol- 
lows : — A whale, of the kind called " scragg," came into 
the harbor and continued there three days. This ex- 
cited the curiosity of the people, and led them to devise 
measures to prevent his return out of the harbor. They 
accordingly invented, and caused to be wrought for them, 
a harpoon with which they attacked and killed the whale. 
This first success encouraged them to undertake whaling 
as a permanent business ; whales being at that time numer- 
ous in the vicinity of the shores. In furtherance of their 
design, they made a contract with James Lopar, to settle 
on the island and en^asfe in the business. The a2:reement 
was as follows, copied verbatim from the original record : 

"5th 4th mo. 1672 James Lopar doth Ingage to carry 
on a design of Whale Citching on the Island of Nantuck- 
ket, that is the said James Ingage to be a third in all re- 
speekes, and som of the Town Ingage Also to Carrey on 
the other two thirds with him in like manner, the Town 
doth also Consent, that first one Company shal begin and 
afterward the rest of the freeholders or any of them, have 
liberty to set up an other Company Provided that they 
make a tender to those freeholders that have no share in 
the first Company and if any refuse, the Rest may go on 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 29 

themselves, and the Town do also Ingage that no other 
Company shal be allowed hereafter, Also whosoever Kil 
any whale of the Company or Corapanys aforesaid they 
ar to pay to the Town for every such Whale five Shil- 
lings — and for the Incorragement of the said James Lo- 
par the Town doth grant him Ten Acres of Land in som 
convenant place, that he may Chuse in, (Wood Land 
exceped) and also Liberty for the Commonge. of thre 
Cows and twenty Sheep and one horse with necessary 
Wood and water for his use on Conditions that he follow 
the Trade of Whaleing on the Island two years in all the 
season thereof, beginning the first of March next insuing. 
Also is to build upon his land, and when he leaves Inhabit- 
ing upon the Island then he is first to ofer his Land to 
the Town at a Valluable price, and if the Town do not 
buy it — then he may Sel it to whome he please — the 
commonage is granted only for the time he stays here." 

As it now appeared, that there was a prospect of car- 
rying the business of whaling into effect, the town, willing 
to give it every encouragement that it required, according 
to their knowledge and ability, agreed with John Savage 
to remove thither with his family and to serve them in 
the occupation of cooper; and to induce his compliance^ 
to give him ten acres of land, and commonage for three 
cows and one horse ; nearly on the same conditions as 
above-mentioned, in relation to Lopar. 

How far this plan succeeded, we are in a great measure 
unacquainted ; the profits of the business were sufficient, 
however, to encourage its pursuit. Finding that the peo- 
ple of Cape Cod had made greater proficiency in the art 
of whale catching than themselves, the inhabitants, in 



30 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

1690, sent thither and employed a man by the name of 
Ichabod Padduck, to instruct them in the best manner of 
kilUng whales and extracting their oil. The pursuit of 
whales commenced in boats from the shore, and increased 
from year to year, till it became the principal branch of 
business with the islanders. The Indians, ever manifest- 
ing a disposition for fishing of every kind, readily joined 
with the whites in this new pursuit, and willingly submit- 
ted to any station assigned them. By their assistance, 
the whites were enabled to fit out and man a far greater 
number of boats than they could have done of them- 
selves. Nearly every boat was manned in part, many 
almost entirely, by natives : some of the most active of 
them were made steersmen, and some were allowed even 
to head the boats : thus encouraged, they soon became 
experienced whalemen, axid capable of conducting any 
part of the business. 

The whaling business did not put a stop to the cod 
fishery, which was at the same time carried on from the 
south and east sides of the island. The habitations of 
the people were scattered, and mostly remote from the 
shore ; small huts were accordingly erected near the sea- 
side, for shelter in cold and boisterous weather. In pro- 
cess of time these buildings amounted to a considerable 
number, and two considerable villages sprung up on the 
east side, one called Sesacacha, the other Siasconset. 
The former of these a few years since contained about 
thirty houses, of which but one is now remaining ; the 
latter consists of about sixty, but they are at present used 
as places of resort during the heat of summer. 

They sometimes, in pleasant days, during the winter 
season, ventured off in their boats nearly out of sight of 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 31 

land. It has often been remarked by the aged, that the 
winters were not so windy and boisterous at that time as 
at present, though quite as cold ; and that it would some- 
times continue calm a week or even a fortnight. 

The process called saving the whales after they had 
been killed and towed ashore, was to use a crah, an in- 
strument similar to a capstain, to heave and turn the 
blubber off as fast as it was cut. The blubber was then 
put into their carts and carried to their try-houses, which, 
at that early period, were placed near to their dwelling- 
houses where the oil was boiled out and fitted for market. 

To enable them to discover whales at a considerable 
distance from the land, a large spar was erected, and cleats 
fixed to them, by which the whalemen could climb to the 
top, and there keep a good look out for their game. There 
was no perceptible decrease of the number of whales during 
the period of the first thirty or forty years from the com- 
mencement of the fishery. It appears that in* 1726 they 
were very numerous, for eighty-six were taken in that 
year, a greater number than were obtained in any one 
year, either before or since that date. The greatest num- 
ber ever killed and brought to the shore in one day was 
eleven. This mode of whaling continued until about the 
year 1760, when the whales became scarce, and it was 
by degrees discontinued. Since that date, whales have 
only occasionally been obtained by boats from the shore. 

It is remarkable, that, notwithstanding the people had 
to learn the business of whaling, and to carry it on under 
many hazardous circumstances, yet not a single white 
person was killed or drowned in the pursuit, in the course 
of seventy years preceding 1760. The whales hitherto 
caught near the shores were of the Right species. 



32 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

The first Spermaceti whale, known to the inhabitants, 
was found dead, and ashore, on the southwest part of the 
island. It caused considerable excitement, some demand- 
ing a part of the prize under one pretence, some under 
another, and all were anxious to behold so strange an 
animal. There were so many clainiants of the prize, that 
it w^as difficult to determine to whom it should belong. 
The natives claimed the whale because they found it; 
the whites, to whom the natives made known their dis- 
covery, claimed it by a right comprehended, as they 
affirmed, in the purchase of the island by the original 
patent. An officer of the crown made his claim, and 
pretended to seize the fish in the name of his majesty, as 
being property without any particular owner. After con- 
siderable discussion between these contending parties, it 
was finally settled that the white inhabitants, who first 
found the whale, should share the prize equally amongst 
themselves. The teeth, which were considered very valu- 
able, had been extracted by a white man and an Indian, 
before any others had any knowledge of the whale. All 
difficulty being now settled, a company was formed who 
commenced cutting the whale in pieces convenient for 
transportation to their try-works. The sperm procured 
from the head was thought to be of great value for medi- 
cal purposes. It was used both as an internal and an ex- 
ternal application ; and such was the credulity of the 
people, that they considered it a certain cure for all dis- 
eases ; it was sought with avidity, and, for a while, was 
esteemed to be worth its weight in silver. The whole 
quantity of oil obtained from this whale is not known. 

Whales being plenty near the shores, people were led 
to conclude that they should find them still more numerous 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 33 

were they to pursue them with vessels into the " deep." 
That the pursuit of whales into the ocean was early anti- 
cipated, we know by an anecdote related by one of our 
ancestors. In the year 1690, the same in which Ichabod 
Paddock was sent for from Cape Cod, as before related, 
some persons were on a high hill, afterwards called Folly 
House Hill, observing the whales spouting and sporting 
with each other, when one observed " ^Aere," pointing to 
the sea, "is a green pasture where our children's grand- 
children ivill go for breads It was many years, how- 
ever, before they began to whale with vessels, but at what 
precise time it happened we have no means of knowing. 
Previous to whaling in vessels, it was necessary to 
determine where the harbor should be. It has already 
been mentioned that the one at Madaket was at first pre- 
ferred, but this was afterwards relinquished for the present 
harbor, which is larger, more land-locked, and in many 
other respects better adapted to the purposes of navigation 
than the first mentioned. The south side of this harbor 
was first selected for the site of the town; the proprietors, 
therefore, laid out house lots, or homesteads, of one hun- 
dred rods in length, and three or four rods in width. 
But many inconveniences were afterwards found to attend 
this location, and the present situation of the town was 
soon after selected. It being now determined where the 
town should be, it became necessary to give it a name^ 
and it was accordingly called Sherburne, by order of 
Francis Lovelace, Esqr., Governor of the Province of 
New York, in his written directions, bearing date, April 
18th, 1673. 

When the island was first settled by the English, it was, 
as already mentioned, under the government of the pro- 
3 



34 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

vince of New York, which ratified and confirmed the first 
purchase of the island from Lord Sterling, and also 
allowed the several purchases made of the Mayhews and 
the Indians to be valid ; and grants and patents were made 
by Governor Lovelace to the people of Nantucket in the 
year 1671, and afterwards confirmed by successive gov- 
ernors of the said province of New York, whereby the 
proprietors were allowed many privileges which they 
afterwards enjoyed and considered as their standing rules. 
Some valuable and exclusive privileges respecting the 
fisheries around the island, and in the bays, coves, har- 
bors, he, were granted by the same authority, to the 
inhabitants, they paying certain yearly quitrents, which 
was carefully attended to by them. This subordination 
of Nantucket to the government of New York continued 
until William and Mary came to the throne of England. 
They directed, that the lines of the .^'Province of Massa- 
chusetts Bay," in New England, should be ascertained, 
and, by the request of the inhabitants and proprietors of 
the Island of Nantucket, the island was included within 
these lines, and considered to be a part of Massachusetts. 
This change was confirmed, in May 1693, by the follow- 
ing statute of the province of Massachusetts, and the 
people of Nantucket were allowed all the privileges, of 
every kind and nature, which were allowed them by the 
province of New York. 

^nno Regni Gulielmi, et Maria, Regis et Regince, Quinto. 

Act passed by the Great and General Court or Assem- 
bly of the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, in New-Eng- 
land, begun and held at Boston, the thirty-first day of 
May, 1693. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 35 

Chap. 2. — An act for Confirmation of Titles within. the. 
Islands of Capawok, alias Martha's Vineyard, and 
Nantuckett. 

Whereas their most gracious Majesties, our sovereign 
Lord and Lady, King William and Qiieen Mary, in 
and by their royal Charter or letters Patent, bearing 
date at Westminster, the seventh day of October in the 
third Year of their said Majesties Reign ; for the uniting, 
erecting and incorporating of the Colony of the Massa- 
chusetts-Bay, and Colony of New-Ply3iouth, the 
Province of Main, the Territory called Accada, or Nova- 
Scotia, and all that Tract of Land lying between the 
said Territories of Nova Scotia, and the said Province of 
Main, into one real Province, by the Name of the Province 
of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England : Have 
therein particularly named, com.prehended and included 
the Islands of Capawok and Nantuckett as part of 
the said Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, and an- 
nexed the same thereto : And also all Islands and Islets, 
lying within ten Leagues, directly opposite to the main 
Land within the said Bounds. 

But for as much as the said Island of Capawok, alias 
Martha's Vineyard, and the Island of Nantuckett, 
were for some time under the Rule and Government of the 
Province of New-York, and the Properties and Titles of 
the Lands upon the said Islands respectively, &;c., he. 

And the Inhabitants and Proprietors of Lands within 
the Island of Capawok, alias Martha's Vineyard and 
the Island of Nantuckett, for their better Quiet and 
Satisfaction, desiring this Court's Confirmation of the 
same : — 



36 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

It is therefore declared and enacted by the Governour, 
Council, and Representatives, convened in General As- 
sembly, and by the Authority of the Same, That all 
Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments and other Estates held 
and enjoyed by any Person or Persons, Towns or Vil- 
lages within the Islands of Capavvok, alias Martha's 
Vineyard and Nantuckett, and each of them respectively, 
by or under any Grant or Estate duly made or granted 
by any former Government, or by the successive Gov- 
ernours of New York or any other lawful Right or Title 
whatsoever ; shall be by such Person or Persons, Towns 
or Villages, their respective Heirs, Successors and As- 
signs for ever hereafter held and enjoyed, according to 
the true Purport and Intent of such respective Grant, 
under and subject nevertheless to the Rents and Services 
thereby reserved or made payable. And are hereby rati- 
fied and confirmed as fully and amply to all Intents, Con- 
structions and Purposes, as the Lands in any other Parts 
or Places within this Province by Virtue of their Majes- 
ties' Royal Charter. 

The first Spermaceti whale taken by the Nantucket 
whalers, was killed by Christopher Hussey. He was 
cruising near the shore for Right whales, and was blown 
off some distance from the land by a strong northerly 
wind, where he fell in with a school of that species of 
whales, and killed one and brought it home. At what 
date this adventure took place is not fully ascertained, but 
it is supposed to be not far from 1712. This event gave 
new life to the business, for they immediately began with 
vessels of about thirty tons to whale out in the " deep," 
as it was then called, to distinguish it from shore whaling. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 37 

They fitted out for cruises of about six weeks, carried a 
(ew hogsheads, enough probably to contain the blubbers 
of one whale, with which, after obtaining it, they returned 
home. The owners then took charge of the blubber, and 
tried out the oil, and immediately sent the vessel out 
again. At the commencement of this mode of whaling, 
it was found necessary to erect try-houses near the land- 
ing, and a number were built on the beach a little south of 
the wharves. North from these they erected small build- 
ings, called ware-houses, in which they put their whaling 
apparatus, and other outfits. 

In 1715 the number of vessels engaged in the whahng 
business was six, all sloops of from thirty to forty tons 
burthen each, which produced £1100 sterling or $4,888 
88 cents. 

As the shipping increased, it was found indispensably 
necessary to have wharves. The first built is that now 
called Straight Wharf, constructed in 1723. Previous to 
this there had been places built off, called landing places, 
which were but temporary, and were often broken up by 
winter storms. 

The island was now in a flourishing condition. The 
inhabitants were fast increasing in number and wealth ; 
the land was principally purchased of the natives ; it was 
very productive, when improved ; the natives very cordi- 
ally enlisted in the service of the whites; fish and fowls 
were plenty ; the whaling had become a most profitable 
employment, and promised business for all. What a 
prospect must this have been to a people like them, re- 
markable for their industry and prudence, never so well 
pleased as when they had as much business as they could 
perform. This being the general character of the inhab- 



38 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

itants, they increased in wealth as fast as could be ex- 
pected. Tliis business;, it is true, did not afford great 
profits, less, perhaps, than almost any other ; but the peo- 
ple, being of a frugal disposition, required but little to 
keep them comfortable, and there were but few among 
them who aspired after great things. 

As the whaling business was found to answer their ex- 
pectations, they were encouraged to increase the number 
and size of their vessels. Sloops and schooners, of from 
forty to fifty tons, were put into the business. Vessels 
of this size being supposed to be best adapted to whaling 
near the coast, no larger ones were employed for many 
years. At length whales began to be scarce near the 
shore, and some enterprising persons procured larger ves- 
sels and sent them out to the southward, as it was called, 
where they cruised until about the first of the seventh 
month, when they came in and refitted, and went to the 
eastward of the Grand Bank, where they continued 
through the whaling season, unless they completed their 
lading sooner, which frequently happecied. The vessels 
that went on these voyages were generally sloops, of sixty 
or seventy tons ; their crews were made up in part of In- 
dians, there being usually from four to eight in each ves- 
sel. They were pleased with the business, and always 
ready to engage in it when called upon. 

At the close of the whaling season, the vessels were 
mostly drawn on shore for the winter, being considered 
safer and less expensive in that situation, than at the 
wharves. The boats were placed on the beach, bottom 
upward and tied together, to prevent disasters in gales ol 
wind ; and all the whaling gear was put into the ware- 
houses. 



(39) 



CHAPTER III. 

In order to preserve some connexion in our account of the 
whale fishery, we have traced it forward beyond the date 
of the general history of the island. We will now return. 

It has already been shown, that the purpose of the first 
emigrants to the island was, to secure a free exercise of 
religious faith and worship. Many were at that time de- 
prived of these privileges by law. Nantucket seemed to 
offer a safe retreat from the spirit of persecution then pre- 
vailing, and persons of various denominations removed 
thither with their families. Differing as they did in reli- 
gious opinions, they exercised no intolerance towards one 
another; feeling their own accountability to God, they 
presumed not to assume His prerogative and arraign their 
fellow-beings before a human tribunal, to answer for that 
which concerned only themselves, and pertained only to 
a future world. 

During the first fifty years after the settlem.ent, the 
people were mostly Baptists ; there were some Presbyte- 
rians, and a few of the Society of Friends. The little 
community was kind and courteous to each other, and 
hospitable to strangers. The prevalence of good feeling 
was remarked and felt by all who came among them. 
The nature of their business was such as to expose thern 
but little to the alluring customs and habits of the vicious 
part of mankind. They were industrious, and therefore 
virtuous, and, consequently, happy. 



40 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

In the moderate part of the year, they were employed 
In farming, fishing and whaling, and in the winter they 
prepared materials against the coming season, such as 
vessels, boats, casks, and whaling gear ; at this time they 
also schooled their children. But little learning was not. 
In those times, considered a very " dangerous thing." It 
did not require an extensive education either to prosecute 
business, or to secure a respectable standing In society. 
What was necessary was attended to, all beyond was un- 
known or neglected. Their employment had a tendency 
to form their customs and manners in many respects. 
Their dress was moderate and plain, their deportment 
kind and unassuniing. They were satisfied with such 
habiliments as w^ere comfortable and fitted to the season, 
disregarding the vain and foppish fashions then prevailing 
among mankind In general. They were not the less 
respected for their singularities, as some were pleased to 
call them, for they had the reputation of being an honest 
people, and punctual to their promises. They easily 
obtained credit for such articles as they needed, with no 
other security than their ow^n promise. It was a remark- 
able event that one should fail of discharging his debts, 
or that an estate should be found incompetent to meet all 
demands against It. 

The female part of the community cordially joined and 
united in these economical principles, always helpful and 
careful to make all practicable savings in their depart- 
ment. Tliey were Industrious, neat and cleanly. On 
the mother devolved almost every family care, both those 
of the Immediate household and those of a more general 
nature. The husband was a great part of his time at sea. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 41 

and when on shore his calling was such as to allow him 
little time for his fire-side. The education or training up 
of the young was almost exclusively the business of the 
matron. Great care was used to guard their children 
against unnecessary expenses arising from costly fashions: 
and to teach them to be moderate and prudent, it was 
constantly kept in view, that it was. by hard labor that a 
subsistence could be procured, and that their fathers re- 
linquished home and all its comforts and encountered the 
danger of the ocean, and its monsters, to procure them 
bread, and clothing, and home. The nature of their 
cares, and their common interests gave rise to the most 
friendly intercourse amongst them ; and were the origin 
of that sociability, that absence of unmeaning ceremony, 
that cordial good will, and readiness at accommodation, 
which have ever characterized their descendants. They 
were a motherhood, ever alive to the calls of duty and of 
charity. They were always ready, with soothing appli- 
ances, to leave their homes to visit the sick, to whom 
they administered both in the capacity of nurses and phy- 
sicians. Many were skilled in the use of roots and herbs, 
the medical properties of which they had learned from 
the natives. For many years the healing art was prac- 
tised almost exclusively by females, and more confidence 
was placed in their skill than in the knowledge of men 
professionally educated. 

The art of surgery, especially that part relating to bone- 
setting, was little understood by those who practised it 
professionally, in the early part of our history. Much 
suffering consequently followed accidents requiring skilful 
management. In process of time this difficulty was in 
a great measure removed by Zaccheus Macy, who, though 



42 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

he never studied the science, became, by long experience, 
assisted by good talents and accurate observation, of very 
singular service to the public in bone-setting and in 
various other branches of surgery. He subjected himself 
to the calls of all who needed his assistance, and, what is 
most remarkable in his character, as well as commend- 
able, he never received any pecuniary reward for his ser- 
vices. He believed it to be his duty to serve the public 
without any emolument. During the time of his prac- 
tice, about fifty years, he set over two thousand dislo- 
cated or broken bones, and visited his patients until they 
were nearly recovered. Notwithstanding his great know- 
ledge, there were some difficult cases, which baffled his 
skill. 

The Indians lived scattered over the island in such 
parts as best suited themselves. Although the emigrants 
early purchased their land, they were still allowed to till 
and improve as much as was necessary for their subsist- 
ence. When any were about to go to sea, the whites 
ploughed as much for them as their squaws and children 
could cultivate. 

The Indians being with the whites much of their time, 
they became conversant together, and learned each other's 
language, which rendered the former very useful in the 
whaling business, as well as in many other respects ; as 
they were often employed by the whites in various kinds 
of labor. 

King Philip, sachem of Mount Hope, in the year 
1665, very soon after the settlement of the island by the 
whites, came there with a number of canoes in pursuit of 
an Indian, to punish him for some heinous crime. There 
being but a small number of English at that time, they 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 43 

had every thing to fear. Philip's hostile appearance and 
preparations made them apprehensiv^e, that he would de- 
stroy them, if any measures were taken to arrest his pro- 
gress in pursuit of the dehnquent. On the other hand, if 
they assisted to search after him, they dreaded the revenge 
of the island natives. They therefore declined lending 
their aid in any respect. Philip then w^ent with his party 
in pursuit of the criminal, and at length found him on the 
south-east part of the island. His name was John Gibbs ; 
his crime was the mentioning of the name of Philip's 
father. Rehearsing the name of the dead, if it sliould 
be that of a distinguished person, was decreed by the 
natives a very high crime, for which nothing but the life 
of the culprit could atone. Philip, having now the poor 
criminal in possession, made preparations to execute ven- 
geance upon him, when the Enghsh spectators, commis- 
erated his condition, and made offers of money to ran- 
som his life. Philip listened to these offers and men- 
tioned a sum w hich would satisfy him ; but so much could 
not be collected. He w^as informed of this, but refused 
to lessen his demand. The whites, however, collected all 
they could in the short time allowed them, in hopes that 
he would be satisfied, when assured that more could not 
be found ; but, instead of this, he persisted in his demand 
with threatening language, pronounced with an emphasis 
which foreboded no good. This very much provoked 
the English, so that they concluded among themselves 
to make no farther offers, but try to frighten him away 
without giving him any more money. The sum raised, 
which w^as all that the inhabitants possessed, was eleven 
pounds ; this had already been paid to him, and could 
not be required back again. Philip had surrounded and 



44 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

taken possession of one or two houses, to the great terror 
of the inmates ; in this dilemma they concluded to put 
all to risk ; — they told him, that, if he did not immediately 
leave the island, they would rally the inhabitants, and fall 
upon him and cut him off to a man. Not knowing their 
defenceless condition, he happily took the alarm, and left 
the island as soon as possible. The prisoner was then 
set at liberty. 

The natives early acquired a propensity to strong drink. 
Some of the whites were wicked enough to furnish them 
with rum, so long as they could pay for it, although it was 
done in direct violation of the law, and against the wishes 
and endeavors of the sober part of the inhabitants. In- 
temperance prevailed amongst them, and soon reduced 
them to a station far below what they would otherwise 
have held, if they had abstained from ardent spirits. By 
the practice of excessive drinking many were soon reduced 
to beggary and distress ; they were regardless of the cares 
of their fimilies; and owners of vessels, at the same lime 
that they took the men into their employment, were com- 
pelled to furnish iheir families with the necessaries of life. 

Although this was the character of many, it was not of 
all. Some were sober, steady people, and endeavored 
to cultivate religious principles among their brethren ; 
when this disposition was manifest, it was encouraged by 
the whites. They were assisted by a translation of the 
New Testament into their language, and encouraged to 
meet together for divine worship. They at one time had 
four meeting-houses, one towards the east end of the 
island, at a place called Okorwaw, near the east end of 
Gibb's swamp, one at Myercommet, a little south from 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 45 

the town, one other near Podpis, and the fourth In Plain- 
field, situation not exactly known.* 

In these they held their religious meetings, under min- 
isters of their own nation. Some of them patterned after 
the English in many respects; they built neat framed 
houses, kept cows, horses, and other domestic animals, 
and lived comfortably. But tliey did not long enjoy these 
privileges, for it was the will of Heaven to visit them 
with an epidemic which cut them off, except a few, and 
destroyed them as a nation for ever. The disease was 
called by some the yellow fever, and by some the plague. 
It made its appearance among them on the 16th of the 
8th month, 1763. Whether it originated with the na- 
tives, has not been ascertained. Some circumstances ren- 
der it probable, that the infection came out of a brig, from 
Ireland, which was cast ashore on the north side of the 
island. One of the crew appeared to have the same fever ; 
he was brought on shore, and died at a house whither the 
Indians frequently resorted. Soon afterwards the disorder 
broke out among them, and spread to an alarming degree 
in a short time. The sickness was so general and severe, 
and the deaths so numerous, that they could not contribute 
to their own necessities. The whites, apprehensive that 
the disorder would spread amongst themselves, were at 
first cautious in approaching the sick, but they at length 
found that the natives only were affected by it, for how 
much soever they exposed themselves, not one was taken 



* For some particulars respecting the Indian divisions of the island, 
&c., we refer our readers to a very interesting article in our second 
part, written by Zaccheus Macy, the original of which is in our pos- 
session. 



46 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

sick. This discovery emboldened the Enghsh to go 
among the Indians, and render such assistance as their dis- 
tressing situation demanded. They visited them daily, 
furnished them with provisions and clothing, and assisted 
in burying their dead. This care was taken by the au- 
thority of the town. The kindness of individuals was at 
the same time liberally extended towards them. 
- The sickness continued until the 16th of the second 
month, 1764, at which time it ceased as suddenly as it 
commenced ; for on the evening preceding the date just 
mentioned there was no apparent abatement of the dis- 
ease, but on the following morning all the sick were con- 
valescent throughout their different places of abode. The 
following will show the extent of the ravages of this dis- 
order : 

34 were sick and recovered. 

36 living among the natives did not take the disease. 
8 living by themselves at the west end of the island, 

escaped. 
40 lived among the whites, not one of whom had the 

sickness. 
18 were at sea at the time, and escaped. 
222 died with the disorder. 

353 the whole number belonging to the island before 
the sickness. 

The number of Indians having become so reduced, it 
is not worth our while to trace them in a very particular 
manner to their final extinction. It will be sufficient to 
add, that the few who survived the sickness continued in 
their wonted occupation, that of whaling ; that, with few 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 47 

exceptions, they would drink to excess whenever they 
could have access to spirituous liquors ; that many of 
them perished miserably, as is the lot of the intemperate, 
by sickness, or exposure, or accident ; and that the last of 
the race died in the year 1822. 

Thus the existence of a tribe of natives terminated, 
and thus their land went to strangers. In the simple 
charity of nature, they received our fathers. When fugi- 
tives from Christian persecution, they opened to them 
their stores, bestowed on them, their lands, treated them 
with unfailing kindness, acknowledged their superiority, 
tasted their poison, and died. Their only misfortune was 
their connexion with Christians, and their only crime, the 
imitation of their manners. 

One occurrence respecting the natives ought not to be 
omitted. It was frequent for some of them to murmur 
and find fault with the English, charging them with hav- 
ing unfairly purchased their lands. The English endeav- 
ored to satisfy them by appealing to the records, and stat- 
ing to them of whom the purchases were made ; that the 
sachems had good right to sell, and that their descendants 
ought to be satisfied therewith. These reasonings quieted 
them for a series of years, and always would have sufficed, 
had they kept clear of rum ; for they seldom called this 
subject into view, unless they were in some degree intoxi- 
cated. At length they became so bold as to threaten 
the English with total extermination, if they refused any 
longer to listen to their complaints. Whether they in- 
tended to carry their threats into execution, and whether 
they had any settled plan of action to this intent, is un- 
certain. Intimation was however given to the whites, 
that the Indians had entered into a conspiracy to rise 



48 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

upon them, on a certain night, and to massacre men, 
women, and children. At the appointed time, agreeably 
with the information, the high sheiifF, with fifty well arm- 
ed men, issued out of the town to reconnoitre the settle- 
ments of the natives, and ascertain whether they were 
making any hostile movements. They found all quiet; 
it was harvest time, and the Indians were merrily husking 
their corn. Although their feats, for present security, 
were allayed, prudence dictated that the English should 
take some measure against future danger. They knew 
the natives to be quite incapable of acting for themselves 
in any legal process, and, therefore, lent them their aid to 
bring the subject before the supreme court, in Boston. 
,J?hi3 was done by a petition, of which the following is a 
copy : 

To his Excellency, Joseph Dudley, Esqr., Captain-gen- 
eral and Governor-in-chief, in and over her Majesty's 
Province of Massachusetts Bay, and to the honourable 
her Majesty's Council for the said Province. 
The humble Petition of Daniel Spotso, Abel Cain, and 
Peter Massaquet, all Sachems belonging to the Island of 
Nantucket, sheweth — 

That whereas your petitioners are very much wronged 
and oppressed by several of the Englisli inhabitants of 
the island aforesaid, who did very much overreach your 
petitioners' forefathers, in the purchase of lands and 
hedges. — And also, in carrying away all their wood that 
grew both upon and under ground, to the great grief and 
damage of your Petitioners, and who will be forced in a 
short time to leave their habitations, and be utterly ruined, 
unless some remedy be applied for their relief. And 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 49 

whereas your petitioners are utterly without remedy, and 
cannot possibly recover their right by law at home, both 
Judges and Jurors being all parties in the cause, for which 
reason your petitioners have been feign several times to 
address the authority of this Province, but as yet without 
redress. 

Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray, that a special 
Court of Oyer and Terminer may be constituted and 
commissioned to set, at the charge of your petitioners, in 
Boston, w^ith full power to hear and determine all causes 
that shall be brought before them in behalf of your Peti- 
tioners according to Law. 

And your Petitioners shall pray, he. Signum. 

Daniel Spoospotswa, 
Peter R. Massaquit, 
Abel 1. 2 Cain. 

Copy examined. 

Jos. Addington, Sec'y* 

Read in Council and directed that a copy be sent to 
James Coffin, Esqr., of Nantucket. 

Jos. Addington, Sec'y* 

It was not till several years after this, that the petition 
was attended to. The court at length authorized one of 
their body to go to Nantucket and make judicial inquiry in 
the premises, and act thereon, as the necessity of the case 
required. Accordingly, in the year 1753, the deputed 
Judge arrived and convened the parties in the meeting- 
house, the court-house not being sufficiently large for the 
accommodation of the people. It was a subject of great 
magnitude, and drew together a large concourse of spec- • 
tators. 

4 



50 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

The parties, by their deputies, were heard, the records, 
and other evidence adduced, and the cause ably argued 
on both sides. The trial continued three or four days, 
and when the parties had concluded, the Judge addressed 
them in a long and ingenious speech, wherein he explain- 
ed to the Indians, clearly and explicitly, that the English 
had clearly and legally purchased their lands ; that they 
had produced good and lawful records to prove the same ; 
that these records appeared without fraud, or intention to 
wrong them ; that they were the best records of pur- 
chases of lands of natives he had ever met with ; and 
that it was his judgment that they should be satisfied 
therewith, and quietly repair to their homes. On this 
conclusion the court rose, the Indians withdrew, and, 
though not satisfied with the decision, were never very 
troublesome about it afterwards. 



CHAPTER IV. 



As the number of inhabitants increased, the whaling 
business was carried on more extensively. Larger vessels 
and a greater number were employed, requiring, conse- 
quently, a greater number of men. The island did not 
furnish seamen enough to man the fleet, and recourse 
was had to various parts of Cape Cod, and thence west- 
ward as far as Lono: Island. From these sources there 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 51 

was at that time a sufficient supply of men, to render that 
part of the business not difficult. 

Notwithstanding the consumption of oil increased in 
this country, the increase was not in proportion to the 
quantity obtained. At times the sale was dull, and the 
price so low, that the prospect appeared discouraging : 
these circumstances caused the people to think of a 
foreign market for their produce. They had, for a series 
of years, made Boston their chief market, and, probably, 
would have continued to do so, had the price been ade- 
quate to their expectations ; but that not being the case, 
it led to inquiry what migln be done to make the sale 
better. It was found that Nantucket had in many places 
become famed for whaling, and particulaily so in England, 
where partial supplies of oil had been received through 
the medium of the Boston trade. The people, finding 
that merchants in Boston were making a good profit by 
first purchasing oil at Nantucket, then ordering it to 
Boston, and thence shipping it in their own vessels to 
London, determined to secure the advantages of the 
trade to themselves, by exporting their oil in their own 
vessels. They had good prospects of success in this un- 
dertaking, yet, it being a new one, they moved with great 
caution, for they knew that a small disappointment would 
lead to embarrassments that would, in the end, prove 
distressing. They, therefore, loaded and sent out one 
vessel, about the year 1745. The result of this small 
beginning proved profitable, and encouraged them to 
increase their shipments by sending out other vessels. 
They found, in addition to the profits on the sales, that 
the articles in return were such as their business required, 
viz. iron, hardware, hemp, sailcloth, and many other 



52 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

goods, and at a much cheaper rate than they had hereto- 
fore been subjected to. This new market for the sale of 
their oil, and procuring necessaries for the outfits of their 
vessels, gave new life to the business in general, so that 
an increase soon manifested itself, in an additional number 
of vessels, and new adventurers. They continued in this 
line many years ; some were successful and acquired 
considerable estates. But, notwithstanding this general 
prosperity, they frequently experienced a portion of ad- 
versity ; which was verified in various ways, according to 
the dispensations of divine providence. 

In the year 1755, three whaling sloops and their crews, 
consisting of tl)irteen men each, were lost near the Grand 
Bank. In the year following, three more with their crews, 
were lost near the same place ; and six were taken and car- 
ried to France, where their crews were imprisoned, many 
of whom never returned. This was, perhaps, the most 
afflicting stroke the island had ever met with, and was a 
great discouragement to the business in general. The 
loss of twelve of their finest vessels in the short space of 
two years, and, what was far more distressing, the loss of 
nearly all their crews, either at sea or by imprisonment 
in France, caused a long season of gloom and mourning. 
Previous to this, from the beginning of the whaling up to 
the above date, there had been but four vessels lost with 
their crews, which events took place at different periods, 
and were not so severely felt. Notwithstanding these 
reverses, it was found expedient to continue the business, 
but in some respects with increased caution. They began 
now to employ vessels of larger size, some of one hundred 
tons burthen or more, and a k\v were square rigged. The 
whales began to be scarce at the places where they had 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 53 

usually been taken, which rendered it necessary to explore 
new coasts in search of them. A number of the larger 
vessels were consequently sent to Davis' Straits, to the 
Western Islands, and some other places, being furnished 
with provisions and other necessaries according to the 
length of the voyages. They were not always successful 
in these new enterprises ; for every new place required 
experience to teach them how to take advantage of the 
seasons, the course of the winds and currents, as well as 
the habits of the whales ; so that it was frequent for 
many vessels to return unsuccessful, though others en- 
riched their owners by making great voyages. 

Very little business besides that of whalFng was carried 
on for many years. The attention of the people and their 
descendants being thus centred in one engrossing subject, 
they w^ere led to project new improvements, to diminish 
the expense and to secure conveniences in its prosecution. 
Time and experience gave them advantages which made 
it difficult to rival them. Attempts at the business were 
frequently made in other parts of the country, but gen- 
erally without success. 

The English government finding, that the use of oil 
increased in England, and that it was less expensive than 
other light, and better adapted to light streets, gave en- 
couragement to carry on the whaling business from their 
own ports. They gave so high a bounty as to induce 
many to engage in it, in that country, and ia a few years 
it became a considerable business at the port of London. 
Although this measure was sensibly felt at Nantucket, it 
did not wholly stagnate the business ; for the consumption 
of oil increased in many parts of the world, where it was 



54 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

carried for a market ; the exportation to England was also 
continued with some advantage. 

The whale fishery gradually increased, and, as new 
countries and coasts were explored, the voyages necessa- 
rily became longer. The following schedule will show, 
as nearly as can be ascertained, the times when the fishery 
commenced at some places, previous to the revolutionary 
war, viz : — 

Davis' Straits, in the year 1746. 

The Island of Disco, in the mouth of Baffin's Bay, 

in the year 1751. 
Gulf of St. Lawrence, in the year 1761. 
Coast of Guinea^ in the year 1763. 
Western Islands, in the year 1765. 
Eastward of the Banks of Newfoundland, in the 
year 1765. 
, Coast of Brazils, in the year 1774, 

The business was also carried on in shorter voyages at 
the Grand Banks, Cape Verd Islands, various parts of 
the West Indies, in the Bay of Mexico, the Carribean 
Sea, and on the coast of the Spanish Main, he. The 
following table shows the number of vessels, and the 
quantity of oil obtained within the period of ten years. 



Date. 


No. of Vessels. 


No. of Barrels. 


1762 


78 


9,440 


1763 


60 


9,233 


1764 


72 


11,983 


1765 


101 


11,512 


1766 


118 


11,969 


1767 


108 


16,561 


1768 


125 


15;439 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 55 



Date. 


No. of Vessels. 


No. of Barrels. 


1769 


119 


19,140 


1770 


125 


14,331 


1771 


115 


12,754 


1772 


98 


7,825 



The price of whale oil in England, was in 

1742 £18 135. per ton. 

1743 £14 85. '' " 

1744 £10 — " " 
1753 £21 — " '' 

It would seem, by the preceding account, that the peo- 
ple were industrious, and doing well, and that the business 
was in a flourishing state. No one would suppose that, 
under these circumstances, any of the inhabitants would 
feel an inclination to migrate with their families to other 
places : yet some, believing that they could improve their 
condition, removed to Nova Scotia, some to Kennebeck, 
some to New Garden, in the state of North Carolina, and 
some to other places, very few of whom benefited them- 
selves, and some, after a few years' stay, returned. 

The inhabitants, generally, were attached to their place 
of nativity and were seldom desirous of leaving it. They 
were so closely connected by birth, similarity of pursuits, 
and habits of intimacy, that in some respects they appear- 
ed and conducted as one family. Perhaps, there is not 
another place in the world, of equal magnitude, where the 
inhabitants were so connected by consanguinity as in this, 
which added much to the harmony of the people and 
to their attachment to the place. When strangers came 
to the island, the longer they stayed, the more they were 
pleased with the people, their manners and customs : 



56 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

coming with no intention of the kind, they often formed 
matrimonial engagements, and became inhabitants with 
their families. 

When difficulties arose among the inhabitants, they 
seldom had recourse to the law for settlement, but chose 
the short and easy mode of arbitration, the advantages of 
which are numerous. Instead of one neighbor's subject- 
ing another to many difficulties, such as are generally ex- 
perienced by those who settle their dispute by the course 
of law, the parties would come together by appointment 
in the evening, having invited a sufficient number of 
their friends to assist, either by counsel or judgment, and 
without expense or animosity, but in an amicable manner 
would settle their differences. On the following day, the 
parties quietly returned to their business. This was the 
general manner of deciding controverted points ; there 
were, however, some who preferred legal decisions, and 
who hazarded and suffered the consequences. 

The society of Friends, on Nantucket, originated about 
or after the year 1704, when Thomas Story went there 
on a religious visit. He remarks, that the people were 
kind and hospitable, and that many of them appeared to 
be seeking the right way in religious matters ; that he 
found but two of the denomination of Friends or Quakers 
at that time, but that the people consisted of various per- 
suasions', and appeared glad of his company and satisfied 
with his visit ; that he had various opportunities with 
many of them, and advised them to establish a meeting 
under the auspices and direction of the Society of Friends, 
since there appeared to him to be a great number who 
believed in their principles. His advice was attended to, 
and a meeting established. From this beginning the 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 57 

society increased from time to time. The number of 
members at one period was about twelve hundred, and 
nearly as many more attended their meetings, who were 
not members but fully believed in their principles. 

There is much obscurity resting on the early history of 
the Friends' Society, at Nantucket. In the year 1708, 
ten persons came to the island to set up a yearly meeting. 
By some authority the number is stated to have been five, 
two of them public Friends, and the others acting only in 
their individual capacity. The first ministers belonging 
to the island were Mary Starbuck, and her son Nathaniel, 
Nathaniel Gardner, John Swain, and Priscilla Coleman. 

In 1698, Thomas Chalkley, a distinguished minister of 
the Society, visited the island. The following extract 
from his journal will, doubtless, interest many of our 
readers. " The people," he remarks, " did generally 
acknowledge to the truth, and many of them were tender- 
hearted. Some of the ancient people said. That it was 
never known, that so many people were together on the 
island at once. After the first meeting was over, one 
asked the minister, (so called) whether we might have a 
meeting at his house ? He said, with a good will, we 
might. This minister had some discourse with me, and 
asked. What induced me to come hither, being such a 
young man ? I told him, that I had no other view in 
coming there, than the good of souls, and that I could say 
with the apostle, that a necessity was laid upon me, and 
woe would be to me, if I did not preach the gospel. Then, 
said he, I wish you would preach at my house in GOD's 
name. So next day we had a meeting at his house ; and, 
on the first-day, we had the largest meeting that we ever 
had on the island. It was thought there were above two 



58 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

hundred people. The Lord in his power did make his 
truth known to the praise of his name. Oh ! how was 
my soul concerned for that people ! The Lord Jesus did 
open my heart to them, and theirs to him. They were 
also loving and kind to us. The chief magistrate of the' 
island, desired that I would have a meeting at his house, 
there being no settled meeting of Friends before I came ; 
and after meeting he disputed about religion with me. I 
thought we were both but poor disputants ; and I cannot 
remember all that passed between us, but that in the close 
of our dispute, he said, I disputed with your friends in 
Barbadoes, and they told me, that we must eat the spir- 
itual flesh, and drink the spiritual blood of Christ : And, 
said the Governor, did ever any one hear of such flesh 
and blood ; for it is a contradiction in nature, that flesh 
and blood should be spiritual ? O surely, said I, the 
governor has forgot himself; for what flesh and blood was 
that which Christ said, except ye eat my flesh and drink 
my blood, ye have no life in you. Why, said he, I do not 
think they were to gnaw it from his arms and shoulders. 
I then told him, he had answered himself. Thus our 
dispute ended. And from that time forward they have 
continued a meeting, and there is now a meeting-house, 
and a yearly meeting for worship ; it is a growing meet- 
ing to this day, and several public friends are raised up 
amongst them, who preach the gospel of Christ freely." 

" At this time a friend was convinced whose name was 
Starbuck, who became very serviceable, and lived and 
died an eminent minister of Christ, on that island. Sev- 
eral scores of them came and accompanied us to the 
water-side ; and when we embarked on board our sloop, 
they desired that I would come and visit them again. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 59 

So I recommended them to the grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and we parted in great love and tenderness." 

Chalkley visited the island again in 1704, on which 
occasion, he remarks, " There were large meetings, people 
there being mostly Friends, and a sober growing people 
in the best things ; though not of our society, when they 
first received the truth, yet they received it with gladness ; 
and although divers of the people, called Presbyterians, 
were very cruel in their expressions, and bitter in their 
spirits against us, yet there were some who went under 
that name, who were more open and charitable towards 
us, and received us gladly with tenderness ; and at some 
places we had meetings at their houses to our mutual 
satisfaction." 

In 1704, 5th month, Thomas Story visited the island. 
In his journal, he says, ''I now think proper to give a 
general relation of the state of the people in the island of 
Nantucket, with respect to religion, at this time. This 
small island," is " inhabited by a mixed people of various 
nations, and some among them called Christian Indians, 
but no settled teachers of any kind. There was in this 
island one Nathaniel Starbuck, whose wife was a wise, 
discreet woman, well read in Scripture, and not attached 
unto any sect, but in great reputation throughout the 
island for her knowledge in matters of religion, and an 
oracle among them on that account, in so much that they 
would not do any thing without her advice and consent 
therein." 

" 14th. At our landing, we went up to the house of the 
widow Mary Gardner ; where, after some refreshment, 
came to us Nathaniel Starbuck, (husband of Mary Star- 
buck, before mentioned) and his son of the same name ; 



60 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

and we proposed to them to have a meeting that day ; but 
there being a court to sit there, by special commission, 
upon an Indian accused for murdering his wife, we found 
it improper at that time ; and some of our company went 
home with Nathaniel Starbuck the elder, and others with 
his son ; where we were kindly entertained, though we 
were strangers, and they at that time not in the profession 
of truth with us." 

" 15th. We had a meeting at the house of Nathaniel 
Starbuck the elder ; which was pretty large and open, 
several of the people being tendered, and generally satis- 
fied with what they heard, and felt of the goodness and 
mercy of God." 

" 16th. Being first of the week, we had another meet- 
ing there, which was not so large as was expected. Many 
of the inliabitants of this island are convinced of the truth 
of some points of the doctrine of truth, and some of them 
have been reached by the Divine virtue and power of it ; 
but some other things they do not yet see ; and, if there 
were no cross, would, in all appearance, come generally 
under our profession." 

" 17th. This evening we ascended toward the upper 
part of the island, to John Swain's (one who came to our 
meetings, and there was only one more, that is, Stephen 
Hussey, in all that island under our name,) and there we 
met with a great company of Indians and other people 
together, having been raising a timber house for him." 

'' 18lh. We had a large, good meeting there among 
the people ; and, that evening returned to Nathaniel 
Starbuck's the younger, and there lodged." 

" 19th. We had another large, good meeting, at 
Nathaniel Starbuck's the elder, his wife, Mary, as before 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 61 

hinted, being the first in that island, who had any regard 
to the way of truth as among us ; but now her three sons 
and daughters, and sons' wives, are all in a hopeful way 
to the knowledge of truth, and liberty of the sons of 
God, with several other tender people at this tinae, in that 
small island." 

"23rd. 5th month. Being first of the week, we had 
another large, open meeting at Nathaniel Starbuck's senior ; 
where several were tendered and comforted ; but it was 
a little bodily exercising and painful to me, for, having a 
sore throat, and not willing to spare myself, I spit much 
blood in the time of my ministry." 

'^ One night, before we returned from this island, my 
sleep was taken from me, under a concern of mind for 
the settlement of a meeting there, and the chief instru- 
ment pointed to in my thoughts, by the truth, for this 
service, when we should be gone, was Mary Starbuck, 
before mentioned, to whom I made it known ; and in the 
opening and mind of truth, laid a charge upon her, to 
endeavor to have a meeting established in their family, 
once a week, at least, to wait upon the Lord, with all 
who were convinced of truth in the neighborhood, and In 
the island, as they had conveniency. This she received 
with christian gravity, and it affected her much, and 
became her concern. Having first mentioned it to the 
friends who were with me, I proposed it likewise to her 
children, who were all discreet young men and women, 
most of them married, and hopeful ; being all convinced 
of truth, they were ready to embrace the proposal. Then 
I advised them to wait sincerely upon the Lord in such 
raeptings, (for they had no instrumental teachers,) and 
assured them, that I had a firm confidence in the Lord, 



62 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

that he would visit them by his Holy Spirit in them, in 
his own time, if they were faithful, held on, and did not 
faint, or look back. And accordingly, some time after 
we departed the island, they did meet, and the Lord did 
visit them, and gathered many there unto himself ; and 
they became a large and living meeting in him, and sev- 
eral living and able ministers raised by the Lord in that 
family, and of others ; to the Honor of his own Arm, 
who is worthy forever." 

In the 7th month, 1746, John Griffith, another minister 
of distinction of the same society, visited the island, and 
staid about six days. He was at their yearly and quar- 
terly meetings ; "having good satisfaction therein." He 
also visited the island, in the 6th month, .1766, but did not 
find the religious condition of the people so satisfactory 
as before. " On sixth day," he says, •' the yearly meet- 
ing began, and was very large ; a becoming plainness 
appeared in the general; but, alas ! the life of religion 
was very much departed from by nunjbers in that once 
truly amiable place, so much noted for a family of love. 
I went on the island as a stranger to their present state, 
though I had been there twice before, a witness of better 
times : much distressing anguish was felt in this meeting, 
and for some time I expected the current of life would 
have been wholly obstructed ; but at length, through 
divine mercy, truth arose with gospel authority, setting 
forth what a great and wonderful manifestation of evan- 
gelical light and truth sprung up in the last century, after a 
dark night of apostacy and error ; when the heavenly power 
being embraced, brought forth the nature and spirit of 
religion ; but endeavors now are too often used to support 
the same principles in a formal way, by strength and wis- 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 63 

dom of man, tlie Lord, therefore, will not own a people 
in that state. Many things were delivered on this subject 
with great dread, and I felt the Lord's power go forth as 
a fire amongst the briars and thorns ; many were struck 
with sadness and fear, and the everlasting name was ex- 
alted : Thomas Gawthorp, was there also, and had good 
service. The meeting ended on second-day, much gospel 
labor having been bestowed in the several sittings there- 
of. Notwithstanding the general state of Friends on that 
island, appeared truly deplorable, yet, I believe, a remnant 
are, and will be preserved, fresh and lively in religion. 
May their number increase." 

The people who first settled the Island, and their im- 
mediate successors, lived to a great age, many to eighty 
and some over ninety years. But, about the year 1739, 
the number of old people was greatly lessened ; from 
what cause we shall not presume to surmise. The oldest 
male inhabitant died that year, aged 73 years ; there were 
probably some females living who exceeded that age, for 
it has been remarked that they live generally longer than 
males. Since that time the number of aged people has 
increased very much. In the year 1810, there w^ere 210 
over 70 years of age, more than 60 of whom were over 
80, but none exceeded 90. Of the 210, just mentioned, 
122 were females, and the proportion of aged women, 
compared with the aged men, has considerably increased 
since that time. We have never known any inhabitant of 
the island to live 100 years, though several have nearly 
attained that age, and many have exceeded 90 years. 

Of the diseases of the island, lung affections may be 
named as the most fatal, yet it is doubtful whether they 



64 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

are more prevalent here than on the seacoasts generally, 
in this latitude. Bilious intermittents occasionally occur, 
in autunnn, and scarlet lever has been twice epidemic 
within forty years. 

The small pox has frequently made its appearance on 
the island, but, through the vigilance of the people, it 
has never prevailed to a great extent. Whenever any 
have been attacked with it, they have been immediately 
removed from the town, and conveyed to some secluded 
situation. This disease, always alarming, has been ren- 
dered peculiarly so to the people of Nantucket, in con- 
sequence of their local situation. Whenever it has made 
its appearance among them, they have justly apprehended, 
that, if it should spread to a considerable extent, its rav- 
ages would be the more distressing, by preventing neces- 
sary supplies being brought to them from the continent, 
except at exorbitant prices. 

This, and other considerations, caused the people to 
take more than common precautions against the disease, 
whenever it was brought to the island. Many of the in- 
habitants were of the opinion, that, could the inoculation 
for the disease be established at some place remote from 
the town, and conducted with care, it would relieve many 
who were fearful of its contagion, and prove very bene- 
ficial to the community at large. An establishment for 
this purpose was therefore encouraged, and in the year 
1771, Dr. Samuel Gelston selected Gravelly Island, 
which seemed tlie most suitable situation, for the location 
of an hospital. Houses were accordingly built, and the 
business commenced. But it was not long before the 
people began to murmur, and express their dissatisfaction 
with the measure ; for some who had been there to be 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 65 

inoculated, were so careless as to put the inhabitants in 
danger of taking the disease on their return. The unea- 
siness increased so much, that the town, having convened 
several times on the occasion, at length caused a remon- 
strance against the inoculation to be sent to the Gov- 
ernor, requesting his aid to suppress it. This put a stop 
to the business for a time, but it was resumed in 1778, 
when the town again took measures to put a stop to it, 
and at length agreed with the doctor, he relinquishing the 
business, to buy his buildings at cost, which they accord- 
ingly did, and paid him the amount of his bills, viz. : 
£1072 17s. 6d. old tenor. 

From the best information that can be obtained, ten 
persons have been banged on the island, since it was set- 
tled by the English. They were all native Indians, and 
the crime of each was murder. The first execution, of 
which we have any particular account, took place in 1704, 
the last in 1769. ' 

The putting to death of these persons was, of course, 
in accordance with the requirement of the law of the 
land, and cannot be considered as expressing the opinion 
of the inhabitants on that mode of punishment. We be- 
lieve the sentiments of this community are, and always 
have been, strongly against capital punishments. 

Taking the lives of human beings, as an expiation for 
the most heinous crimes, has so long been practised 
throughout the world, that the greater part of mankind 
have become reconciled to the measure : they seem to 



^ Their names were as follows: Finch, 1704 ; Sabo, Jo Nobby, 
1736; Hcppy Comfort, 1739; John Comfort, 1745; Flenry Jude, 
1750, Tom Ichabod, Joel Elisa, Simon Hews, Nathan Quibby, 17C9. 

5 



66 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

have become fully convinced that this punishment is ab- 
solutely necessary for the safety of society, and justifiable 
in the sight of God. Notwithstanding this practice has 
been long established, and has often been supported by 
the authority of the Old Testament, we think it not amiss 
to state our conviction that it is altogether wrong. The 
subject is one of great importance, and we trust, that a 
few remarks upon it will not be deemed improper in this 
place. We are fully sensible, that it is not an easy matter 
to convince mankind of their error, if it be such, neither 
is it our expectation to bring about so desirable an ob- 
ject : but we think it is quite time for the rulers of the 
land, particularly those of the denomination of Christians, 
to make a pause, for we are persuaded that much de- 
pends on them to govern and lead the people aright. It 
appears, by the laws of England, that there were one 
hundred and sixty offences, not long ago, punishable with 
death, while in the United States the number does not 
exceed ten ; how is this difference reconciled, when both 
nations profess to be led by the same unerring example 
and precepts of our Saviour. 

When a criminal is depriv^ed of life, by the laws of his 
country, he is either in a good or bad state, as to his never- 
dying soul. If he has become truly penitent, and received 
full assurance of forgiveness for his past sins, of which, in 
some instances there can hardly be a doubt, how awful is 
it, that his life should be taken from him, by the power of 
man, in that state of innocency. Perhaps, if permitted 
to live, he would become a useful member of society, and 
contribute to the wants of his family and friends, who, 
besides being benefited by his services, would be rescued 
from that reproach, which an ignominious death, however 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 67 

unguilty, entails upon the descendants of the culprit, even 
unto the fourth generation. On the other hand, if he is 
deprived of hfe in a state of wickedness, how much more 
awful is the case, taking the truth of the subject into 
view, that a soul will thus be hurried to perdition to satisfy 
a law, which is not warranted by any part of the New 
Testament. Shall we act counter to that guide, by which 
we profess to be governed, and yet say. that we do so un- 
der a sense of religious duty. Let us, for a moment, re- 
flect, how much more commendable it would be, in the 
sight of Him who rewards us for every good deed, to 
restrain the criminal of his liberty, and use our utmost 
endeavors to reconcile him to his fellow man, and restore 
him to peace with his Maker. " There is joy in the pre- 
sence of the angels of God over one sinner that repent- 
eth." 

Much might be said on this very interesting subject, 
but it is not our intention to enlarge this work by discus- 
sing matters that may be considered irrelevant to it. We 
leave the subject for more able writers, with strong desire 
that a reform may take place, not doubting that it would 
prove a blessing to society, and be productive of increased 
harmony, to wholly annul the laws by which criminals 
are deprived of life. 



(68) 



CHAPTER V. 

Between the years 1770 and 1775, the whaling busi- 
ness increased to an extent hitherto unparalleled. In 
1770, there were a little more than one hundred vessels 
engaged ; and in 1775, the number exceeded one hundred 
and fifty, some of them large brigs. The employment of 
so great and such an increasing capital may lead our 
readers to suppose, that a corresponding profit was realiz- 
ed ; but a careful examination of the circumstances, under 
which the business was carried on, will show the fallacy 
of such a conclusion. Many branches of labor were con- 
ducted by those who were immediately interested in the 
voyages. The young men, with few exceptions, were 
brought up to some trade necessary to the business. The 
rope-maker, the cooper, the blacksmith, the carpenter, in 
fine, the workmen, were either the ship owners or of their 
household ; so were often the officers and men who navi- 
gated the vessels and killed the whales. Whilst a ship 
was at sea, the owners at home were busily employed in 
the manufactory of casks, iron work, cordage, blocks, and 
other articles for the succeeding voyage. Thus the pro- 
fits of the labor were enjoyed by those interested in the 
fishery, and voyages were rendered advantageous even 
when the oil obtained was barely sufficient to pay the 
outfits, estimating the labor as a part thereof. This mode 
of conducting the business was universal, and has con- 
tinued to a very considerable extent to the present day. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 69 

Experience taught the people how to take advantage of 
the different markets for their oil. Their spermaceti oil 
was mostly sent to England in its unseparated state, the 
head matter being generally mixed with the body oil ; 
for, in the early part of whaling, it would bring no more 
when separated than when mixed. The whale oil, 
which is the kind procured from the species called " right 
whales," was shipped to Boston or elsewhere in the 
colonies, and there sold for country consumption, or sent 
to the West Indies. 

The first manufactory of sperm candles in this country 
was established in Rhode Island, a little previous to 1750, 
by Benjamin Crab, an Englishman. His candle-house 
was burnt in 1750 or 1751. In 1753, Obadiah Brown, 
(the father of Moses Brown, a distinguished member of 
the Society of Friends, now living,) erected candle-works 
at Tockwotten, now India Point, in Providence, and en- 
gaged the above-mentioned Benjamin Crab, to conduct 
the business. After this, in 1754 or 1755, Moses Lopez 
engaged in the same business, but not extensively, at 
Newport. Collins & Reveria, Aaron Lopez, John Maus- 
ley & Co., Thomas Robinson, and others soon followed. 
Obadiah Brown, in 1753, manufactured about three hun- 
dred barrels, which was nearly all that was in that year 
saved separate from body oil, and not sent to England. 
He was disappointed of the information which he expected 
to receive from Crab, and was obliged to learn the secret 
of refining by his own experiments. In 1761, there 
were eight manufactories in New England, and one in 
Philadelphia. 

The candle manufactories gave just enough for head 
matter to encourage its being separated. Their art was 



70 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

kept secret a considerable time ; they suffered no person 
to enter their works, but such as were immediately con- 
cerned therein. At length, in 1772, one of the most 
enterprising men belonging to Nantucket found means to 
obtain the desired knowledge, and established himself in 
the business. He continued in this line several years, and 
acquired a large property. Stimulated by his success, 
others were led to make various experiments, till at length 
they acquired a knowledge of the art, and gained great 
profits from it. Thus, by degrees, the manufacture of 
sperm candles became more and more general, till at 
length all, who possessed the means of carrying it on, were 
enabled to share in its advantages. 

As the whaling business increased from year to year, and 
finally gained the pre-eminence over all other branches, 
the cod fishery in the same ratio dwindled, till it was pur- 
sued by a very small number as a permanent business. 

The farmers, however, and some of the mechanics, in 
the spring and autumn, made it their practice to fish at 
Siasconset, and Sesacacha, on the east side of the island, 
in boats from the shore. Here they frequently removed 
their families and resided during the fishing seasons. 

The following table, copied from a report to Congress, 
by Thomas Jefferson, shows the state of the whale fishery 
in Massachusetts, between the years 1771, and 1775. 



(71 ) 







o 






:^ »: O a3 ^-^ a^ m ^ 








N o 2 S ^-^ 3 aig 


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p 


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o o o o o c 


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72 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

" The average price in the market, for a few years 
previous to the war, was about forty pounds sterling, per 
ton, for spermaceti oil ; and fifty pounds sterling, for head 
matter. ^ The average price of whale oil was about sev- 
enty dollars, per ton. A whale producing about one 
hundred and twenty barrels of oil will generally produce 
about two thousand pounds of bone. A whale producing 
fifty or sixty barrels of oil, will generally produce nearly 
ten pounds of bone to the barrel. The bone was chiefly 
exported to Great Britain, the price about half a dollar 
per pound." 

In 1774, the inhabitants of the island were much 
troubled by the anticipated war between the colonies 
and Great Britain. The Americans, believing they had 
just cause of resentment on account of the usage of the 
British government from time to time, often manifested a 
spirit of resistance. This being early discovered by the 
government, coercive measures were pursued to check 
the discontent, which, instead of soothing, served rather 
to irritate the colonists. Massachusetts was considered 
the leader of the rebellion, as it was then called, and the 
measures of the government were particularly directed 
against that province. It appeared to many, that, if the 
English government had used mild measures to convince 
the colonies of their error, if it had heard their petitions and 
carefully investigated the grounds of their complaints, the 
difficulties then existing might have been removed so far 



* The average prices at Nantucket, in the settlement of voyages, 
from 1769 to 1775, were for spermaceti oil, £35, and" for head matter 
£44. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 73 

as to prevent a war. Instead of this, force was used to bring 
about a reconciliation, and acts were passed to restrain the 
liberties of the people. "The Massachusetts Bay Restrain- 
ing Bill" was passed, intended to restrain the trade and com- 
merce of the provinces of" New England, to Great Britain, 
Ireland, and the British islands in the West Indies," and 
to prohibit their carrying on any fishery on the Banks of 
Newfoundland and other places mentioned in the bill. 
The extreme severity of this act caused long and violent 
debates in Parliament. If carried into effect, it would 
have been a heavy blow to merchants in London, in the 
West Indies, and in other parts, who traded with New 
England ; petitions were, therefore, forwarded by them 
to Parliament, praying that the bill might not be carried 
into operation. Among other petitions was one present- 
ed by the Society of Friends, in England, setting forth, 
" That a great number of innocent persons, particularly 
in the island of Nantucket, would, by the prohibitory bill, 
be reduced to extreme distress. The inhabitants of this 
island amounted to between five and six thousand in num- 
ber : the soil of it was so barren, that, though fifteen miles 
in length, and three in breadth, its produce was scarce 
sufficient for the maintenance of twenty families. From 
the only harbor this island contains, without natural pro- 
ducts of any sort, the inhabitants by an astonishing in- 
dustry, kept an hundred and foity vessels constantly 
employed. Of these, eight were occupied in the impor- 
tation of the necessary provisions, and the rest in the 
whale fishery ; which, with invincible courage and perse- 
verance, they had extended from the frozen regions of 
the North, to the coast of Africa, the Brazils, and even 
as far South as the Falkland Islands, and some of their 



74 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

fishing voyages continued twelve months." The petition, 
after expatiating on the innocence, industry, and utility of 
this colony, the great hazards attending their occupation, 
and the uncertainty of their gain, showed, that, if the bill 
passed into a law, they must in a short time be exposed 
to all the miseries of a famine. The singular situation 
and circumstances of these people, caused some attention 
to be paid to them ; and the administration, in all its 
obstinacy, was obliged to relax a little and afford the 
relief, which with so much reason had been asked and 
expected. 

The tenor of the above-mentioned petition, and its effects 
in favor of Nantucket, by causing the obnoxious part of 
the bill to be struck out, is another proof, among many, 
that good policy would dictate to the inhabitants of Nan- 
tucket, in all cases of national differences, to remain neu- 
tral, and manifest that quiet and peaceable disposition, 
which has ever marked their character among all chris- 
tian nations. 

It appears, that the bill, with some modifications, became 
a law, but its effect was very different from what was ex- 
pected by the promoters of it ; for, as a consequence of 
it, the British fisheries, in Newfoundland, suffered a dimi- 
nution of near 500,000 pounds sterling. 

As many may be interested to know the number of in- 
habitants on the island, at different periods after its settle- 
ment, we shall here exhibit such information on the sub- 
ject as we have been able to collect, but we cannot vouch 
for its authenticity in every particular. The records of the 
town are deficient in information concerning early transac- 
tions, and almost silent as respects the census of the 
island. We introduce the following table now, because 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 75 

it will here be convenient to refer to it to see the effect of 
the revolutionary war on the numbers of the inhabitants. 

In the year 1719 there were 721 white inhabitants. 
English families, between 1722 and 1724, 170. 
In the year 1726 there were 917 inhabitants. 



1764 


a 


3220 


1774 


cc 


4545 


1784 


cc 


4269 


1790 


a 


4620 


1800 


a 


5617 


1810 


a 


6807 


1820 


(C 


7266 


1830 


cc 


7202 



On examining the foregoing schedule, it will be seen, 
that, during the Revolutionary war, instead of a gradual 
increase of inhabitants, the number lessened 276. If 
there had been no war, it is to be presumed that, the in- 
crease between 1774 and 1784 would have been a little 
greater than during the ten preceding years. Between 
1764 and 1774 the Increase was 1325, this number added 
to 276, the decrease during the war, making 1601, may 
fairly be taken as the least number that lost their lives 
during the conflict between the nations, with the excep- 
tion of about twenty families which removed to other 
places. 

If we could justify any war, it would be that of the 
Revolution. Repeated injuries were heaped upon the 
colonists, which, we allow, it was their duty to notice, in 
a firm and decided manner. Respecting, as we do, and 
that most sincerely, the rights of man, we have little 
sympathy with those who supinely submit to unprovoked 



76 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

injuries. In the dignity of Christian charity we bear and 
forbear, but our endurance then is a defence which even 
tyranny will eventually respect. To feel an injury, and 
to revenge it, are very different things : the highest merit 
of forbearance consists in the keenest sense of wrong. 
While then we would bear testimony against all wars, 
and every species of violence between man and man, we 
would encourage all to defend their social and individual 
rights, to cherish self-respect, and maintain their indepen- 
dence ; and we believe that there are ample means for 
this purpose, without resort to blood, and that wars and 
fightings are the causes, rather than the remedies of op- 
pression. A course of proceeding which throws two na- 
tions into mourning over the harm which they have re- 
cipix>cally done to each other, seems a strange way of 
deciding between right and wrong. Let the consequences 
of war be considered apart from the vain glory, and martial 
equipments, and mighty enterprises, and great talents, 
and enthusiastic excitement, which are associated with it; 
let plunder, and rapine, and death ; let ghastly wounds, 
mutilated limbs, loathsome disease, and famine and pov- 
erty ; let the widow, the childless, the orphan ; let the 
crimes of lawless passion, and the permanent injury to 
moral and christian virtues, be considered, and who will 
say that wars are the best means, nay, who will say that 
they should ever be resorted to, for the purpose of decid- 
ing a national dispute ? -Who is there, that, clothed with 
the spirit of true Christianity, can justify war ; when, be- 
fore it commences, we are sensible of the destruction and 
misery that must ensue ? Alas for man that he is blinded 
to his best interest ! 

Previous to entering upon the various scenes occasioned 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



77 



by the approaching war, It may not be amiss to give a 
statement of the prices of various articles of common con- 
sumption, at different dates. Our information on this sub- 
ject is not extensive, but it is cohected from sources which 
may be depended on as correct ; it will serve to show the 
difference between the value of merchandise or of money, 
at given dates, and the present time. The prices are 
given in old tenor, or forty-five shillings to a dollar. 

1712 Molasses per gallon 
" Tobacco per pound 
day's mowing 
" carting rocks . 
" threshing 
ewe sheep, 
pound butter 
" fresh pork 
" hay-seed 
" beef . 
" veal 
Weaving cotton and linen, per yard 
*' kersey, ell wide 
" plain linen 
" kersey 
" worsted for shirts 
1 bushel wheat 
1 " barley 
1 " corn, till 1730 



1713 1 
" 1 
" 1 
" 1 
" 1 
" 1 
" 1 

1714 1 
" 1 

(C 

1715 



" 1 cord wood 

1718 .1 quintal fish 

1719 Board for a man, in a private family, 

per week, .... 



£ 


s. 


d. 





2 


6 








6 





3 








3 








3 


6 





7 











10 








2 





2 











n 








3 








6 








8 








8 








10 








9 





6 








2 


6 





6 








14 





1 


6 






6 



78 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



1720 Ploughing, per acre 

1722 Fine wool, per pound 

1723 Yoke of oxen 



£ s. d. 

12 

1 6 

14 



The following short schedule will show the prices of a 
few articles, the year preceding the war. The great ad- 
vance in the value of some articles, found in both state- 
ments, may fairly be taken as a criterion for the whole; 
and will show, with some allowance for the time between 
1723 and 1774, the effect of the political aspect of affairs 
on the value of merchandise generally. 

The prices are here, also, given in old 
In 1774. 



Russia Duck, per piece 
Ravens " " 

Sugar, per cwt. . 
Coffee, per lb. 
Molasses, per gallon 
Salt, per bushel 
Wood, per cord 
Flour, per cwt. . 
Corn, per bushel 
Beef, per barrel 
Wool, per lb. 
Men's shoes, per pair 
Women's " " 
Cheese, per lb. . 
Butter, " 
Bohea tea 



enor currency. 


£ s. d. 


. 30 


. 21 


. 17 


9 


13 


1 2 6 


5 12 6 


7 


1 2 6 


. 19 


9 


2 15 


2 5 


3 6 


5 7^ 


2 5 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 79 

The apprehension of war, between this country and 
England, increased daily. In view of the infant state of 
the country, this event was dreaded by many, and more 
particularly by the inhabitants of this island, who had 
more reasons to deplore a war than the country generally. 
Their situation was such as to render them exposed to 
the ravages of an enemy, without the means of making 
any defence. Being surrounded by the sea, they could 
be assailed from any quarter, and were liable to be plun- 
dered by any petty cruisers which might visit them for 
that purpose. It was clearly foreseen that the inhabitants 
could derive no protection from our own country. These 
considerations filled the minds of the people generally 
with very serious apprehensions ; while others endeavor- 
ed to be patient, under whatever sufferings might befall 
them, placing their confidence in that power which it is 
beyond the reach of man to control. But knowing that 
nothing could be done to prevent a war, eacli one hoped 
for the best, and waited the awful moment with the keen- 
est anxiety that the human mind can conceive. In the 
mean time prudence dictated that those who had prop- 
erty exposed, which could be secured from the grasp of an 
enemy, should take care of it in season. Many, by taking 
this precaution, happily saved what afterwards proved the 
means of their subsistence. 

Towards the close of the year 1774, there were one 
hundred and fifty sail of vessels, in the whaling service, 
belonging to the island, and the greater part of them at 
sea. The owners at this time concluded to strip and 
haul them up as fast as they arrived, in hopes that the 
impending storm might blow over without any serious 



80 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

consequences. But, alas ! how frail is man, and how 
Wind to future events. 

In the early part of 1775, there appeared no doubt 
that hostilities would soon break out. The country, in 
the mean time, was making every preparation for war, of 
which its defenceless situation would admit. The long 
expected period at length arrived : even before spring 
closed, the first blood was spilt in the battle at Lexing- 
ton. Tlie news of this action spread rapidly to every 
part of the colonies ; in a few days it arrived at Nan- 
tucket. The countenances of the people, here, bespoke 
the anguish of their hearts. All business was imme- 
diately at a stand. Discouraged and powerless, they 
could do little else than meet together and bemoan their 
fate. Sorrow was depicted on evejy countenance ; every 
mind was overwhelmed with fearful anticipations, all 
springing from one general cause — the war. Many were 
deeply concerned for the welfare of their husbands, child- 
ren, or brothers, then at sea, on whom they depended for 
their subsistence and the comforts of life ; many were 
anxious on account of their property, both at home and 
at sea, on which their dependence was placed. A com- 
mon distress pervaded all hearts, which was in no way 
relieved by anticipations of the future. No system of 
future business could be fixed on ; many believing, that, 
notwithstanding some blood had been shed, the difficulty 
would yet be settled, and business be again safely resum- 
ed; but others, and the greater part, were of the opinion 
that the contest would be long and terrible. Time proved 
the latter ro be correct. 

The vessels belonging to the island mostly arrived 
home in safety, for the English government cherished a 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 81 

belief, that, by quelling the difficulties in the province of 
Massachusetts Bay, the whole country besides would 
comply with the requisitions demanded of them; they, 
therefore, did not send out their cruisers in great numbers, 
until they found their mistake ; which gave an opportunity 
for the whalemen to get home, though many of them were 
on the coast of Guinea and Brazil, at the commencement 
of hostilities. 

The inhabitants were now driven from their wonted 
line of business into a state of inactivity, in which many 
of the laboring poor could not long subsist without a 
change. Some of these entered into the service of the 
country by joining the army, others engaged on board of 
privateers, few of whom ever returned to the island. A 
few families removed to various parts of the country, 
chiefly to the provinces of New York and North Caro- 
lina. But the bulk of the people concluded to remain 
in the place of their nativity, and do the best they could, 
although the prospect was gloomy, let them look which 
way they would. The property of some was so situated 
that they could not leave it ; others could not remove their 
families, through want of means. 

Whaling having now ceased, the wharves and shores 
were, for a while, lined with vessels, stripped to their naked 
masts. The people, however, soon began to turn their 
attention to fishing on the shoals, and round the shores of 
the island ; and many, to save what property they had 
acquired, went into the farming business. In one or an- 
other of these pursuits all, for a time, found employment. 
This entire change of business created new thoughts, 
new ideas, and new conversation, such as would hardly 
have been understood previous to the commencement of 
6 , 



82 HIS'i'ORY OF NANTUCKET. 

difficulties. Fishing boats, and small fishing vessels, and 
farming tools, were chiefly called for in the mechanical 
line, and with these the people went earnestly to work, 
but with heavy hearts, not knowing how soon they might 
be deprived of even these means of subsistence by the 
sacking or burnino; of the town. 

All this was but a specimen of what they were destined 
to endure. They soon found themselves wholly cut off 
from all kinds of imported goods. Necessity, however, 
invented substitutes for many of these, and the same ne- 
cessity taught that others were not absolutely indispens- 
able. The price of salt was much enhanced, and with- 
out it they could derive little advantage from fishing. 
This encouraged a number of persons to establish salt- 
works. One company set them up on Brant Point, at the 
entrance of the harbor ; but various causes combined to 
check their progress, so that very little salt was made. 
Another company established their works at Podpis, or 
Polpis, which is up harbor, according to common ex- 
pression, about five miles east from the town. They 
made considerable salt, but not enough to compensate 
for their expenses : so that both companies relinquished 
their business. Probably tiie principal reason for their 
not succeeding was the fog, which prevails around the 
shores in the summer season, and, keeping the air moist, 
prevents the water from evaporating as rapidly as the bu- 
siness requires. 

West India produce of all kinds, as well as salt, soon 
became excessively high ; and a prospect of profitable 
business for all was thus presented, too flattering to be 
disregarded. The harbor was full of vessels of just the 
rio-ht size for the West India trade, many of the owners 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 83 

had oil, candles, fish, lumber, and other articles, in de- 
mand, in the West Indies, while an equally good market 
was promised for such of their return cargoes as should be 
fortunate enough to escape the enemy. It w^as a dangerous 
business, and very few were singly able to fit out a whole 
vessel, and bear up under a loss, if that should be their 
fate. A considerable number w^ould, therefore, join and 
load a vessel in small proportions, which, by experience, 
was found to be the best way. On this plan a few ves- 
sels were soon got away, and, such as returned in safety, 
made very profitable voyages : for all kinds of American 
produce sold at great prices, and, in return. West India 
produce was in great demand. Salt sold from two to 
four dollars a bushel, and molasses for a dollar a gallon. 

This line of business succeeded well, till the British took 
possession of a number of American seaports, and were 
thus enabled to send out numerous small privateers. The 
coast of America was soon so thronged with these, that 
it was difficult for vessels to arrive in safety. Built, as 
the latter were, for great burdens, and to be easy and safe 
at sea, they stood little chance of escape, when pursued 
by English cruisers. The business, therefore, which com- 
menced so prosperously, soon became exceedingly hazard- 
ous. The loss of property by capture was a small evil, 
compared with the sufferings of those who were made 
prisoners. As soon as the British took possession of 
Rhode Island and New York, they established prison- 
ships, in which thousands of American seamen were pent 
up, and thousands perished, either through want of the 
necessaries of life, or by loathsome diseases, engendered 
by their wretched situation and inhuman treatment. 

The Nantucket people now began to feel the misery 



84 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

and distress, which they early anticipated and dreaded. 
They had had no conception, indeed, of the destructive 
prison-ship ; it was for the refinements of war to invent 
that capacious instrument of prolonged torture ; but they 
had always been sensible that their situation was such, as 
to expose them to an uncommon share of suffering, even 
under the milder aspect of a national conflict. 

Although the West India business proved so disastrous 
on account of the loss of lives, as well as of property, it 
was still prosecuted, as there appeared no other way of 
employment. The safe arrival of two or three vessels 
animated the people greatly, and encouraged them to fit 
out still more largely. 

As tlie sound was continually infested with cruisers, it 
was difficult to procure that supply of provisions and fuel, 
which they otherwise would have received from different 
places on the continent. This was soon severely felt by 
the inhabitants, and led them to use every means that in- 
vention could devise, or necessity execute, to obtain their 
necessary supplies. Sometimes strangers, with the pros- 
pect of high prices, would venture to the island with such 
articles as were most needed, and take in exchange fish, 
salt, oil, &:c. A number of the inhabitants run open sail 
boats to Connecticut, and elsewhere, with salt and other 
articles, and brought back provisions and other supplies. 
They chose these boats, because they could pass Rhode 
Island in them with greater safety, during the night, than 
in vessels. And, notwithstanding the danger of naviga- 
ting such frail barks, they selected the most stormy nights, 
even in winter, to pass ports in possession of the enemy ; 
for they had rather encounter the hazard of foundering at 
sea^ than of falling into the hands of the Brhish. By 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 85 

these means, and with what bread stuff was raised on the 
island, the people were prevented, and in many instances 
barely prevented, from suffering to death. 

As long as the vessels lasted, they afforded employment 
for the poorer class ; but their number lessened very fast. 
The loss of these, however, was not the greatest evil 
which the people had to sustain. The prison-ship was 
much more dreaded. Whenever a vessel or boat was seen 
coming from any quarter, anxiety of mind was depicted on 
every countenance. All were dependent in some degree on 
casualties abroad ; those, who had property at stake, were 
desirous of hearing from it ; but, above all, those, who had 
fathers, husbands, brothers, or other connexions, absent 
from home, were watching, with anxious eyes, every sail 
that made its appearance, or listening, with intense inter- 
est, to catch some tidings from their friends ; apprehensive, 
the while, that the next news would blast for ever all their 
hopes of earthly comfort and happiness. In the middle 
and latter part of the war, accounts from abroad were 
rarely received, which did not tell of the death of one or 
more of the people belonging to the place. 

The few, that returned from the prison-ships, gave the 
most melancholy account of the sufferings of the prisoners. 
The provisions, which they had to eat, were the most 
filthy that could be procured, infested with bugs, weavels, 
and maggots ; and of ev^en these they were furnished 
with not half enough to satisfy the cravings of nature. 
Their scanty pittance of water was offensive to the smell, 
filthy, and poisonous. A great number of persons were 
confined within the narrow hmits of the sides of the ship ; 
they were overrun with tormenting vermin ; on every 
side the eye rested on the dead, and the ear was assailed 



86 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

with the groans of the dying. These startling and horrid 
truths wrought so forcibly on the minds of those, whose 
necessities impelled them to follow the sea for a subsist- 
ence, and so disquieted the hearts of their wives and 
children, who must be left in anxious uncertainty both in 
regard to their future means of subsistence, and the fate 
of their near relatives, as to bring a gloom over the face 
of society, too deep and too heartfelt to be described. 
But untimely death and severe sufferings were not con- 
fined to prisoners alone ; many perished at sea, in conse- 
quence of venturing in vessels constructed with a principal 
view to fast sailing. These vessels were long and sharp, 
they were built of frail materials, and purposely made 
weak in order that, by a degree of pliability, they might 
pass more easily through the water. When pursued 
by an enemy, they were sometimes subjected to so heavy 
a press of sail, as to run under and never rise again. The 
ways were numerous, and the places various, in which the 
people of Nantucket lost their lives during the war ; their 
sufferings w^ere long felt, deeply deplored, and they will 
never be forgotten. 

Provision, notwithstanding what was raised on the 
island, or brought from the continent, was at times very 
scarce and dear ; and many suffered by want, having no 
means to buy and no employment by which to earn any 
thing. After a few years of the war had expired, those 
who had property left did not care to risk it abroad, find- 
ing that the danger of capture had materially increased ; 
thus a large number were left in a state of inactivity. 
Many of the middle class, at the commencement of the 
war, had some hundreds of dollars by them, which they 
had saved out of their earnings ; but they were now 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 87 

under the necessity of disposing of their past savings for 
the support of their faraiUes. Some of this class became 
exhausted by the middle, others by the latter part of 
the war. 

Corn was frequently three dollars a bushel, and some 
times more ; flour was thirty dollars a barrel, and other 
bread stuff proportionably dear. This would not have 
been so severely felt, had there been business adequate 
thereto ; but a total want of employment with the major 
part of the people rendered it very distressing. 

As wood was one of the articles for which the inhabi- 
tants were dependent on the continent, it was soon dis- 
covered that a new source or substitute must be found ; 
for the coasters, who had usually brought it, turned their 
attention another way, on account of the risk of capture. 
Even if a plentiful supply had been brought to the island, 
few, for the reasons before mentioned, would have been 
able to buy. The distress, however, was not so great 
for fuel, as it was for bread. Various substitutes for the 
former presented themselves, which were readily and 
thankfully adopted. One was peat, of which an abund- 
ance was yearly procured, and which was found to be 
excellent firing. Some dug up the shrub oaks with their 
roots, which answered a very good purpose ; some, in the 
winter season, cut brush in the swamps, which burned 
well, but did not make a durable fire. Others, who had 
no horses, went "up the harbor " in boats to Coetue, and 
Coskata, in an easterly direction from the town, from six 
to ten miles, where, with hard labor, they procured large 
quantities of pretty good firing, mostly oak, cedar, and 
juniper, sometimes called savin. 

It seems proper to introduce, in this place, a valuation 



88 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

of the ratable property of the island, made in the year 
1778, under the authority of the " State of Massachusetts 
Bay." It is as follows, viz : — 

Polls ratable, 970 

" not ratable, 31 

Dwelling-houses, barns, and other 
buildings, not hereafter specially 
mentioned, with all yards, gar- 
dens, and passage-ways to the 
same belonging, 604 

The just value of the same, £35,633 5s 

Acres or parts of an acre of upland, 
mowing, orcharding, and tillage 
land, 1,566 

The just value of the same, £14,688 

Acres of salt and fresh meadow, 270 

The just value of the same, £4,050 

Acres of pasture land, 14,260 

The just value of the same, £55,840 

Acres of wood land, and unim- 
proved land, 7,380 

The just value of the same, £4,338 

Wharves of all sorts, and the just 

value of the same, £1,708 2s 4d 

Still-houses, furnaces, mills of all 

sorts, and iron works, 4 

The just value of the same, £295 

Money at interest and on hand, 

more than they are indebted, £11,222 I65 8d 

Debts due not on interest, more 

than they are indebted, £3,732 lOs 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 89 



The amount of all goods, wares, 






merchandises, and stock in 






trade. 




£8,257 85 


Vessels of all sorts with their 






stores, and the true value 






thereof, whether at home or 






abroad. 




£12,860 Ss 


Ounces of plate, 


1,780 




Horses of all ages. 


270 




The just value, 




£4,860 


Oxen, 4 years old and upwards, 


54 




The just value. 




£486 


Cows, three years old and up- 






wards, 


540 




The just value, 




£3,888 


Steers, three years old, and all 






other horned cattle, under 






that age. 


155 




Their value. 




£620 


Sheep and goats of all ages, 


9938 




Their value. 




£3,975 4s 


Swine of all ages. 


299 




Their value. 




£430 11* 


Grain of all sorts and kinds, and 




. 


all other produce of the land 






whatsoever on hand, the just 






value of the same. 




£501 


Coaches, chaises, and all car- 






riages of that kind, and all 






other property whatsoever not 






before enumerated, except 






household furniture, wearing 







90 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



apparel, farming utensils, and 
the tools of mechanics, the 
just value of the same, £482 

The amount of all the estate, 
both real and personal, of 
those persons that shall be 
doomed by the assessors, £ 

Tons of English hay, one year 

with another, 243 

Tons of salt and fresh meadow 

hay, one year with another, 162 

Bushels of corn, and grain of all 

sorts, one year with another, 10,800 

Number of cows the pasture 
will keep, one year with an- 
other, «, 2,587 

Barrels of cider, one year with 

another, 

Amount of all other annual pro- 
duce, £324 

The annual income arising from 
any profession, faculty, handi- 
craft, trade or employment, 
and by trading by sea and on 
shore, and by means of ad- 
vantages arising from the war, 
and the necessities of the 
community, £5,134 Is 8d 

Although the town was not sacked or burnt during 
the war, it was often threatened, and the minds of the 
people thus kept in constant agitation, between hope and 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 91 

fear. It was often visited by English cruisers, who would 
sometimes attempt to put their threats into execution by 
beginning to plunder and rob, but they never carried their 
depredations to any considerable length, except in one 
instance. In 1779, on the 6th of the 4th month, eight 
sail of small vessels came to the bar, where they all an- 
chored, except two, which came into the harbor and were 
made fast to the wharf. About a hundred armed men 
then landed, and immediately proceeded to plunder and 
rob 'several stores, and to commit some other depreda- 
tions. ^ The inhabitants, in the mean time, although their 
feelings w^ere much wounded, remained quiet spectators, 
and used no means of defence, beheving that the plun- 
derers would leave the island, without carrying their 
ravages to extremes, w^hich they did the next day. It 
was the opinion of all, that these refugees had no authority 
from the British government to disturb Nantucket. Being 
confident of this, some of the leading men of the town 
remonstrated against their conduct in such language,. as 
caused them to depart from the island in haste. Many 
of the inhabitants for a long time had entertained the 
opinion, that the English government had no disposition 
to distress Nantucket, in any respect ; this emboldened 
the inhabitants, whenever refugees came to the island, to 
treat them with plain language, and dispute their au- 
thority to commit any hostile act ; which often had a very 
good effect. 

We mi";ht fill a volume in enumerating the various vi- 
cissitudes and embarrassments, to which the people of this 
, f 

^ The value of property taken, according to an account of sales 
by the refugees themselves, was £10,666 135 id lawful. 



92 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

devoted island were subjected during the war. Some cases 
occurred, which called forth the united energy of the com- 
munity at large in the adoption and execution of meas- 
ures to ward off impending ruin. The year 1779 was 
replete with difficulties, one succeeding another, so as to 
keep the people in continued anxiety. About the sixth 
month of that year, a committee was appointed by the 
town to proceed to Newport, and thence to New York, 
and there represent to the British commanders the diffi- 
culties under which the people labored, on account of the 
war, and particularly on account of the British armed 
vessels, which had recently come into the harbor and com- 
mitted depredations on the property of the inhabitants. 
The committee were furnished with a memorial expres- 
sive of the difficulties, and asking to be relieved there- 
from. On their return, they presented the following re- 
port to a meeting of the inhabitants, who assembled on 
the occasion. As the business was of the greatest impor- 
tance, the people generally collected. The committee, 
at the same time, presented a communication from the 
commander-in-chief of the British forces in America, 
giving assurance of his good disposition towards the town 
of Nantucket. These documents are both here inserted. 
The reader will find, that, if the people of this island 
had observed a strict neutrality during the war, they could 
have received at all times, from the British commander- 
in-chief, that attention which their defenceless situation 
would seem to demand. 

Nantucket, 7th mo. 5th, 1779. 
To the inhabitants of the town of Sherburne Agree- 
ably to your appointment, we proceeded to Newport 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 93 

and New York, and presented the memorial to the com- 
mander-in-chief of the British army and navy, and, after 
repeated appHcations, we received their answers, (Sir 
Henry CHnton's was only verbal) assuring us, that he had, 
given orders, that no further depredation should be made 
upon the island, on property belonging to the inhabitants, 
by persons under the authority of Great Britain ; Sir 
George Collier gave us the same assurance in writing; 
and, for a full knowledge of his disposition, we refer you 
to the enclosed declaration. 

Benj. Tupper, 
Tim'y. Folger, 
Samuel Starbuck^ 
Wm. Rotch. 

By Sir George Collier, Commodore and Commander-in- 
Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels employed in 
North America, from the North Cape on the island 
of Cape Breton, to the Bahama Islands and Florida, 
inclusive. 

As great numbers of the inhabitants of the island of 
Nantucket are represented to me to be of the sect called 
Quakers, and consequently not accustomed to bear arms, 
and believing the remainder of the inhabitants to be quiet, 
inoffensive people, who have already suffered severely 
the calamities of war, I therefore think proper to for- 
bid all privateers, letters of marque, armed vessels, or 
bodies of armed men, from molesting, ravaging, or plun- 
dering, the estates, houses, or persons, of the inhabit- 
ants of the said island ; and if any shall be found to act 
inconsistently with these directions, their commissions as 



94 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

privateers, or letters of marque, shall be vacated, and 
themselves punished for the offence. 

Given on board his Majesty's Ship, the Raisonable, off 
New York, 23d June, 1779. 

George Collier. 

By command of the Commodore. 
John Marr, Sec^y. 

Sir Henry Clinton fully united with the foregoing dec- 
larations, and gave verbal assurance to the committee 
that they should be complied with. 

The report of the committee, and the communication 
accompanying it, were cordially accepted ; by which it 
appeared, that all was done, that could be expected, to pre- 
serve the people and property of the island from the de- 
predations of British armed vessels or armed men. 

But, notwithstanding these assurances, it was but a {ew 
months, before another difficulty arose, which threatened 
to be the greatest with which the people had ever met. 
This evil was averted by the protecting hand of Divine 
Providence, more conspicuous to the view of the com 
munity at large, than common. The event had a ten 
dency to humble the minds of many, and to bring them 
into a state of dependence, on that Power which preserves 
from danger without the help of man. 

Information was received, from undoubted authority, 
that a squadron of English armed vessels was preparing 
to leave New York for Nantucket, for the purpose of 
sacking and plundering the town, and of burning it, should 
any resistance be made by the inhabitants. Hitherto 
there had never been any order, under the authority of 
the British governnient, to visit the island in a hostile 



;( 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 95 

manner. Those enemies, who had sometimes made their 
appearance in the harbor, were of that class called refu- 
gees, who, not having the authority of the government, 
did not dare to extend their ravages to a great length,' 
though their menaces were sometimes carried into effect 
in such a degree as to fill the minds of the people with 
fear and resentment. But the case now before us was 
quite otherwise, and caused very different emotions. 

These were believed to be government vessels, and 
authorized by the government, which was a cause of the 
greater alarm. Their peculiar situation, with no back 
country whither to flee for shelter, nor any opportunity of 
Jeavmg the island with safety on account of English cruis- 
ers in the Sound, nor even the means of doing°so imme- 
diately, if this hindrance had not existed; th°ese circum- 
stances filled the minds of the people with consternation 
and dismay. They knew not what measure to take to 
avoid the impending danger. It was soon known, that 
the fleet had arrived at the Vineyard, and was waiting a 
change of wind, which was then to the eastward, to pur- 
sue the object of their expedition. As the dancrer ap- 
proached, the iDeople became more and more afarmed. 
The scene now discovered the various dispositions and 
thoughts of the community. Every person, capable of 
due reflection, displayed in his countenance a stronger and 
more powerful language than words could convey. As 
nothmg now appeared to prevent the coming of the ene- 
my, but the continuance of the prevailing east wind, 
many of the people look this opportunity to secure that 
part of their valuable property, which was capable of be- 
mg removed and secreted. Carts, boats, and footmen, 
were constantly employed, by night and by day, in carry- 



96 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

ing goods out of the town, or depositing them in scattering 
houses in the vicinity, where it was supposed they would 
escape the conflagration. Some buried their goods under 
the earth, supposing that to be the best means of security. 
There were yet others, who were not incHned to take 
any of these precautions for the preservation of their 
property, but who quietly awaited the event, trusting in 
that Power which is over all, and to whose will the de- 
signs of men are at all limes subjected. 

A constant look-out was kept every day with the 
greatest anxiety, and in dread of the moment when the 
fleet should appear. At length the two commanding 
officers of the fleet, '' Edward Winslow, Esq., captain 
of a party of troops, and George Leonard, Esq., naval 
commander of the squadron, and captain of the Res- 
toration twenty-gun-ship," then lying at the Vineyard, 
wrote to the people of Nantucket, bearing date " 16th 
September, 1779," wherein they made various charges 
against them. These charges were founded, as was stat- 
ed, on information received from John Boswell, an officer 
of marines belons^ino- to a British armed vessel, who had 
lately been at Nantucket ; and were in substance, that 
the people '' wafted a sloop from the harbor, which 
prevented her capture by the aforesaid British armed ves- 
sel ; and also that the inhabitants, in violation of their 
asseverations heretofore made from time to time, had 
assisted his majesty's enemies ; and that, except these 
charges could be removed, they should consider Nan- 
tucket a common enemy, and treat the people accord- 
ingly." 

As this was one of the most alarming occurrences that 
took place during the war, it seems proper to insert the 
communication at large. The reader will perceive, that, 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 97 

in this instance, as in many others, the people of the 
island were subjected to suffering by false representations. 

By Edward Winslow, Esq., lieutenant-colonel, command- 
ant of a party of troops, and George Leonard, Esq., 
commander of a fleet of armed vessels in the service 
of his majesty, George the Third, king of Great Brit- 
ain, Stc. 

To the inhabitants of the island of Nantucket. — 
Whereas we have this day received information, by John 
Boswell, officer of marines on board the letter of marque 
armed schooner Royal Charlotte, that on the 12th instant 
a certain sloop, in the service of his majesty's enemies, was 
standing into the harbor of Nantucket, and that a num- 
ber of inhabhants of that place assembled, and by wafts 
and signals prevented the said sloop from becoming a 
prize to the said schooner Charlotte, and the sloop Gen- 
eral Carlton, then at anchor there. 

And whereas the inhabitants of said island have (not- 
withstanding the generous indulgences to them granted 
by their excellencies, the commanders-in-chief of his 
majesty's army and navy) discovered in various instances 
a disposition to aid and assist his majesty's enemies, and 
to molest and disturb such of his majesty's servants as 
have in pursuance of their duty put into that place, and 
by such neglectful and perfidious conduct have justly for- 
feited all pretensions to that protection, which a continu- 
ance in peace would have secured them the enjoyment 
of;- 

We hereby proclaim and declare to you, the inhabi- 
tants of Nantucket, that, unless an immediate and sufficient 
explanation of your conduct is made to us, relative to 
7 



98 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

these transactions, we shall consider you as the professed 
enemies of our most gracious sovereign, and shall com- 
mence our operations against you as such. 

And having been this day furnished with a true list 
and description of all the vessels now in your harbor, 
we do by these presents expressly forbid you from suffer- 
ing any of these vessels to remove from thence, without 
special license first obtained from the commanding officer 
of the fleet for the time being, in the Vineyard Sound, 
on penalty of their being forfeited. 

Dated on board the ship Restoration, the 16th day of 
September, in the nineteenth year of his majesty's reign, 

Anno Domini 1779. 

Edward Winslow, 
George Leonard. 

This communication, coming directly from the com- 
manding officers of the fleet, added to the alarm which 
had already taken place in the minds of the people. 
The inhabitants immediately convened on the occasion, 
and made the following reply to the charges of the British 
commanders. 

To Edward Winslow, Esq., lieutenant-colonel, command- 
ant of a party of troops, and George Leonard, Esq., 
commander of a fleet of armed vessels in the service 
of his majesty, George the Third, king of Great Brit- 
ain, he. 

The town of Sherburne, on the island of Nantucket, 
have this day received a writing or manifesto signed by 
you, in which you have made sundry charges against the 
inhabitants of this place; by information, you say, from 
an officer of marines by the name of John Boswell. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 99 

The first of which charges is, that a number of inhabi- 
tants assembled, and by wafts and signals prevented a 
certain sloop from falling into the hands of the armed 
vessels lying in this port, as a prize. Also that said in- 
habitants have discovered, in various instances, a disposi- 
tion to aid and assist his majesty's enemies, and to molest 
and disturb such of his majesty's servants as have put 
into this place : and for such perfidious conduct we have 
forfeited all the indulgences heretofore granted us, he. 

In answer to the first charge, we say, the sloop referred 
to came over the bar and anchored within one quarter of 
a mile of the shore, and there lay twelve hours, which we 
apprehend would not have been the case if they had seen 
the wafts. But on the town's being informed by the 
commanders of the armed vessels, that there had been 
wafts, the principal inhabitants endeavored to find who 
the persons were that were guilty ; after much inquiry, it 
was found, that a number of lads at the sea side were the 
persons, and upon examination we could not discover that 
they were sent for that purpose by any person, and the 
town highly disapproved of any such conduct, and we 
dare say that nothing of the kind will take place in future ; 
and we must likewise add, that the pilot then on board 
declares, that neither he nor any other person on board 
the said sloop (that he knows of) discovered any such 
v/afts, and that they did not omit coming into the harbor 
on that account, but were informed by a small sloop that 
British colors were displayed in the harbor, and that 
the fishing vessels that went in were taken possession of 
by armed vessels. 

In answer to the second charge, of aiding the king's 
enemies, we say, that the town of Sherburne, on the re- 

Lorc. 



100 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

turn of their committee from New York, immediately 
assembled themselves in town meeting, and received their 
report, with the indulgences from the commander-in-chief 
at New York, which report was accepted by the inhabi- 
tants, and a vote passed, in a very full meeting, that they 
would continue altogether peaceable, which the town 
hath observed, and they know of no instance wherein 
they have assisted the king's enemies, neither have they 
molested or disturbed the king's servants that have put 
into the place, but on the contrary have paid them every 
respect due to their rank, with as much politeness as we 
were capable of, and we should have been glad to have 
had it in our power to say, that all the officers had be- 
haved with that cordiality towards the inhabitants that 
they had a right to expect from them. After the afore- 
said charges you proceed and say, that without our imme- 
diate and full explanation of our conduct you shall consider 
us the professed enemies of your most gracious sovereign, 
and commence your operations against us as such. 

We think we have given a full explanation of every 
charge exhibited against us, and we hope to your satis- 
faction, and we further say that this town has done no act 
inconsistent with the indulgences, and that we have aright 
to the continuation of them, until the commander-in-chief 
in New York sees fit to withdraw them. 

We now beg leave to mention to you the conduct of 
your armed vessels while in this port. The same day 
they were piloted into the harbor by the inhabitants, our 
small fishery fleet arrived, they immediately took posses- 
sion of them, and kept the fishermen from their families 
twenty-four hours, and held up every appearance of treat- 
ing them as enemies, after which, contrary to the rules of 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 101 

the navy, Captain Duggan let his sailors be on shore in 
the evening among the peaceable inhabitants with cut- 
lasses, breaking open shops and plundering the inhabitants 
of their property, in the most audacious and menacing 
manner, and himself gave orders to his people (without 
ever consulting the inhabitants) to take their cables, an- 
chors, boats, sails, he, notwithstanding he had the com- 
mander-in-chiefs declaration produced to him, forbidding 
every such act. — We have now taken notice of every 
matter we think necessary to commit to writing ; for a fur- 
ther explanation of matters we beg leave to refer you to 
the three gentlemen, who are chosen a committee by the 
town to be the bearers of this answer. 

Signed in behalf of the town, 

Frederick Folger, Town Clerk. 
JVantucket, September 18th, 1779. 

A committee was then appointed to bear the memorial, 
and to use their endeavors to give satisfaction ; they ac- 
cordingly proceeded on their mission, and on the '' 23rd 
of September," made the following report : 

The committee, appointed by the town of Sherburne, 
to wait on Colonel Edward Winslow, Esq. and George 
Leonard, Esq. at Martha's Vineyard, beg leave to report : 

That they immediately proceeded there, and repaired 
on board the ship Restoration, and had a conference with 
them on the subject of giving signals to a certain sloop, 
that came over Nantucket Bar. 

Your committee found the gentlemen much dissatisfied, 
but on a thorough inspection into the matter, and our 
producing to them the votes of the town of Sherburne, 



102 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

disavowing every such proceeding, they were satisfied, so 
far as to commence no operations against the town on 
that account, without the future conduct of the inhabi- 
tants should make it necessary. 

The committee further say, that the above gentlemen 
gave them the fullest assurances, that they had no incli- 
nation to distress the inhabitants of Nantucket ; but on 
the contrary would give them every assistance in their 
power, so long as they adhered to their own votes, and 
acted consistently with them. 

Stephen Paddock, ^ 
Timothy Folger, > Committee. 
Samuel Gelston, ) 
Nantucket, yf. 23rd SeptmT. 1779. 

During all these transactions the wind continued to the 
eastward, which prevented then> from pursuing the object 
of their intention ; for the foregoing complaints were con- 
sidered nothing more than a pretext formed by them to 
guarantee their conduct in plundering the town, and to 
screen them from punishment from their own government. 

It was pretended, that a schooner, which arrived from 
Rhode Island, brought orders to the commanders of the 
armament to abandon the enterprise and return to New 
York, which was promptly obeyed, and they left the 
Vineyard the next morning. 

It finally appeared, however, that their conduct was 
without the authority of the British commander-in-chief, 
at New York, and that the plan was instituted and pro- 
moted principally by the loyalists. 

It is highly probable, that the east wind, which so 
providentially prevailed during these transactions, alone 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 103 

prevented the immediate execution of the enemy's in- 
tentions ; and that, during the delay, reflections on the 
enormity of their meditated act, and the difficulty of ren- 
dering an excuse for it to their government, checked any 
further proceedings. In the view of the people of the 
island, their deliverance seemed to have been wrought 
by Him who sets bounds to the wicked. The British 
government would sooner have contributed to the relief 
of the inhabitants, than permit one step to be taken to 
distress them. Past experience of their lenity warrants 
this declaration ; for in every instance of application being 
made to them for assistance, it w^as granted, so far as 
circumstances would allow. 

It was always evident to the people, that the town 
could not be defended against the enemy ; it was, there- 
fore, considered wise and prudent to say and do nothing 
to irritate them, since they at all times had the power of 
destroying the place, without a risk of being repelled. 
The American government could not protect the island, 
and there was a large class of the people, composed of 
Friends and others of similar tenets respecting war, who 
did not crave its protection, relying rather on that Power 
which can never fail, and which is most conspicuous in 
times of the greatest peril. There were some, however, 
who always manifested a disposition to make all the 
defence they could, to secure themselves, and save their 
property from the possession of the enemy. And they 
urged this as a duty incumbent upon them. These differ- 
ences of opinion caused some dissension, which, although 
never carried to great lengths, added to the trials and 
anxieties occasioned by the war. 

The situation and circumstances of the place, during 



104 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

the existence, and at the close of the war, was known to 
the general and state government ; a heavy tax was, not- 
withstanding, imposed on the inhabitants. The impro- 
priety of this measure was very evident to the greater 
part of the people of the island, and to many members of 
the legislatm'e ; but it could not be well avoided. But a 
small proportion, however, of these taxes was collected, 
for, after the war closed, the legislature was informed, in 
a particular manner, of the embarrassed state of the town, 
by their representative, whose attention to the interests 
of his constituents, and indefatigable industry, obtained a 
remission of the greater part of the back taxes, with which 
the town stood charged. It appeared evident to every 
rational mind, acquainted with the circumstances, that 
the inhabitants of Nantucket should be exempted from 
paying taxes to the government in time of war. There 
is no place within the limits of the nation more exposed 
to the ravages of an enemy, and no one more out of the 
reach of the protection of government than this. With 
what propriety can a community be taxed for the support 
of a war, whose only share in it is the entire ruin of their 
wonted business, and utter exposure of lives and homes 
to the rapacity of the enemy, or unqualified dependence 
on their mercy ? The inhabitants are fishermen, and by 
steady industry and enterprising genius they are enabled 
in times of peace to sustain a respectable standing in the 
community at large ; but whenever their business is ob- 
structed, their every dependence for a livelihood is gone, 
until the cause is removed : for there is no alternative, no 
retreat for them. The wide ocean is the source of their 
livelihood, and they breast its waves and grapple with its 
monsters in every latitude between the polar ices. The 



HISTORY OT NANTUCKET. 105 

sun never sets on their industry ; they labor and worship 
under the whole dome of the firmament. The objects of 
their affections are abroad on the deep, or buried for ever 
beneath its billows ; their prayers are wafted on every 
wind, their tears are mingled with every surge. Insulated 
in business, as well as in their location, their habits and 
customs, and in many respects their opinions, partake of 
the reneral character of their circumstances. Peaceable 

o 

in their occupations, they are, with few exceptions, radi- 
cally opposed to war. 

The legislative body, after a full investigation of the 
situation and circumstances of the place, became fully 
convinced of the truth of the foregoing facts, in conformity 
to which the following resolution was passed. 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

In the House of Representatives, June ^Oth, 1781. 

On the Petition of the Agents appointed by the Town of 
Sherburne, on the Island and County of Nantucket : — 
Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Commonwealth 
be and he is hereby directed to suspend issuing his exe- 
cution against the deficient constables or collectors of the 
county of Nantucket, until the further order of this court. 
Sent up for concurrence. 

Nathanael Gorham, Speaker. 

In Senate, July 2d, 1781. Read and concurred. 
Samuel Adams, President, 
Approved. 

John Hancock. 
True copy. Attest. 

John Avery, Secretary, 



106 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Previous to the war, the place was in a flourishing 
state, and fully able to contribute its proportion for de- 
fraying the public expense in the maintenance of civil 
government, and it always did so with cheerfulness. But, 
through the effects of the war, the people were deprived 
of their property and every means of comfortable sub- 
sistence. In this situation they were more nearly in a 
state of beggary, than in a condition to pay a heavy tax. 
Notwithstanding these facts, there was a small number of 
different sentiments, who uniformly urged, that the people 
of this place were as well able to pay taxes as those of 
any town within the state. 

The fisheries in general, and particularly the whaling 
business, were of incalculable advantage to the country. 
The latter not only furnishes the best of light for public 
and private uses, but also supports a valuable branch of 
trade to foreign markets. Those who are employed in 
the whale fishery are a stout, hardy set of men, and are 
acknowledged to be the best seamen in the world. It has 
often been remarked, that the small town of Nantucket 
furnishes a greater number of officers capable of taking 
charge of ships, than any other seaport in the United 
States. If this is correct, and we have no reason to doubt 
it, what a nursery for seamen ! From these considera- 
tions ought not the whale fishery to enjoy the fostering 
care of government, especially in time of war? 



( 107) 



CHAPTER VI. 

Greater suffering was experienced by the inhabitants of 
Nantucket, in the year 1780, than at any other period 
during the revolutionary war. During the winter of that 
year, denominated the hard winter, the distress of the 
people was, on many accounts, very great. The greater 
part of the people had previously been reduced to a state 
of penury. The cold weather set in early, and prevented 
the little supply of wood and provisions which was ex- 
pected. The autumn had been so uncommonly wet, that 
but a small quantity of peat could be procured. These 
circumstances, added to the common calamity of war, 
produced a state of the most fearful anxiety. 

The harbor was closed with ice about the twentieth of 
the twelfth month, 1779, and continued frozen, without 
intermission, during the winter. The inhabitants soon 
began to feel the effects of this severity: for the cold 
increased and the ice was formed on all sides, so that 
there was no water to be seen from the highest eminences, 
for the space of several weeks. There were also so much 
ice and snow on the ground and in the swamps as to 
almost entirely prevent the obtaining any fuel thence. 
The shores and creeks were so covered with thick ice, 
that it was with great difficulty that fish of any kind could 
be procured. 

The cold was so intense, and continued so long, that 
the ice in the harbor became sufficiently strong to allow 



108 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

loaded calashes to pass over it. An opportunity was thus 
afforded to those, who were destitute of firing, to procure 
it at Coskata, far nriore conveniently and expeditiously 
than they could have done by the circuitous and very 
bad road to that spot. By this means the laboring poor, 
for several weeks, procured all their fuel : it was a hard 
and laborious task, but, as it was their only resort, even 
this was thankfully embraced. The distance from town 
to the place of getting the wood was nine or ten miles, 
the days were short, and the weather frequently so bois- 
terous, as to make it hardly safe to expose the human 
body to its severity. In addition to this, they incurred 
the danger of breaking through the ice, particularly in 
places where there w^as a strong current. Accidents of 
this kind sometimes happened, to the great detriment of 
the business; but happily no lives were lost. As the 
demand for wood increased, the number of persons which 
had recourse to this mode of procuring it, increased daily, 
until there might be seen fifty or sixty horses and calashes 
in a train, pursuing their course homeward with their 
hard-earned burdens. The wood obtained was princi- 
pally of two kinds, the oak and juniper. It was hard, and 
made a durable fire, but very crooked, and none of it large 
or tall. It had been reserved by the proprietors of the 
land, as a shelter for their sheep and horses in the winter. 
But the difficulty of procuring firing was at this time so 
great, that the owners of the wood were willing to relin- 
quish their privilege for a very reasonable compensation. 
Thus by hard toil many of the inhabitants were preserved 
from freezing. 

Still more distress was felt from want of provisions ; the 
poorer class, in particular, suffered exceedingly. The 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 109 

war had made many widows and orphans, who had now 
to endure the miseries of famine, in addition to the poig- 
nant grief occasioned by the loss of their dearest relatives. 
Of this class many experienced the greatest sufferings, 
and, although none are known to have frozen or starved, 
without doubt some were hurried to their graves, through 
want of the necessaries and comforts of hfe. 

The previous season was uncommonly fruitful, and the 
farmers generally had raised more grain and vegetables 
than were needed by their own families ; whereby they 
were enabled to supply, in some measure, the wants of 
the needy. 

Some that were opulent, with a provident benevolence, 
furnished themselves with considerable quantities of bread 
stuff before winter set in, and, in this pinching time, sold 
it out in small quantities to such as had wherewithal to 
pay ; but such as had not were not turned empty away. 
In addition to these measures, the authorities of the town 
strove, with the means of which they were possessed, 
to relieve the distresses of the people. Every thing 
which toil could procure — liberal charity, mutual accom- 
modations and public assistance, rigid economy and patient 
endurance — all these, though they could not avert, did 
much to alleviate the asperities of the times. 

The suffering for clothing was inconsiderable, both at 
this period, and throughout the war. For, immediately, 
on being cut off from the use of English manufactures, 
the women ensjao-ed within their own families in manu- 
facturing cloth of various kinds for domestic use. They 
thus kept their household decently clad, and the surplus 
of their labors they sold to such as chose to buy rather 
than make for themselves. In this way the female part 



110 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

of families, by their industry and strict economy, fre- 
quently supported the whole domestic circle ; evincing 
the strength of their attachment and the value of their 
services to those, on whom they theaiselves were wont to 
depend for protection and support. There being from 
twelve to sixteen thousand sheep owned on the island, it 
was easy to procure as much wool as was needed. A 
considerable quantity of flax was raised yearly, and some 
was imported from the continent ; so that means were 
furnished, for all that were inchned to labor, to clothe 
their families. 

In order to relieve, in some measure, the increasing suf- 
ferings of the people, the proprietors of the island caused 
to be laid out and assigned to each owner, a number of 
large tracts of land of various descriptions, for themselves 
and their families to improve. In 1775 a tract of 2456 
acres was laid out at the S. E. part of the island. In 
1773 a tract called Croskata was laid out, containing 349 
acres ; and the following year a large tract called Squam, 
and Pookoomo, containing 2109 acres. Croskata was 
nearly covered with wood of a small growth, which w^as 
of great benefit to the people. 

For the accommodation of the owners and the people 
at large, all the swamps to the westward of the town were 
laid out for the purpose of digging peat. Also a large 
swamp, about two miles east from the town, called Taw- 
pawshas swamp; and full liberty was granted by the 
proprietors to the inhabitants at large, to dig peat from it 
without allowing the owners any perquisite. These 
measures proved of great benefit, for many were thereby 
furnished with a living, though scanty, which they could 
not have obtained by any other means at that time. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. Ill 

Whaling being the only business which suited the 
genius of Nantucket, they constantly kept it in view, in 
order to prosecute it, as soon as a proper opening should 
present. But they had become so reduced at this period 
of the war, and such was the risk of capture, that they 
could not fit out their vessels in that service. 

Repeated intimations from the British commanders in 
this country led the inhabitants of the island to believe, 
that, if some regular course could be pursued, some indul- 
gence w^ould be granted to them. The situation of affairs 
was, however, very critical. The inhabitants were 
watched as with the eyes of Argus, and threatened, that, 
if any correspondence was carried on with the British, 
all communication with the continent should be stopped: 
again, if they risked their property at sea, it was almost 
sure to become a sacrifice to British cruisers ; and if 
nothing was done, the only alternative was distress and 
famine. It was now, however, pretty well ascertained, 
that some of the leading men in the nation were looking 
with an eye of commiseration on the depressed circum- 
stances of the place. 

Under these considerations, Timothy Foiger, Esq. was 
sent to New York, to represent the situation of the people 
of Nantucket, and to ask permission of the British com- 
mander-in-chief to carry on the whaling business, without 
being subject to capture by the vessels of his government. 
The following is a copy of the petition, which was pre- 
sented : 



112 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

To their Excellencies, Sir Henry Clinton, Knight of the 
Bath, and commander-in-chief of his majesty's forces 
employed in North America, and Harriot Arbuthnot, 
Esquire, Vice Admiral of the Blue, and commander- 
in-chief of his majesty's ships and vessels employed 
and to be employed in North America, and his ma- 
jesty's commissioners for restoring peace to the revolting 
colonies, &:c. 

The petition of the island of Nantucket humbly shews ; 
that at this time there is five thousand inhabitants on said 
island, who, through the unhappy dispute that hath taken 
place between Great Britain and the colonies, are reduced 
to the most miserable situation imaginable. 

The soil will not produce a subsistence for one third 
part of the people. Wholly destitute of fire wood, and 
but a little clothing ; such being their situation and cir- 
cumstances, your petitioners really apprehend, that, with- 
out some indulgences from your excellencies, there will 
many people perish for want, before the end of another 
winter. Your petitioners hope and flatter themselves, 
that, as they have taken no part whatever in the unhappy 
war that has brought on these calamities, but have remain- 
ed these five years in a state of peace, without civil or 
military officers on the island, or any court of justice, on 
which account they have been denied more than once of 
all supplies from the continent, and likewise that more 
than two third parts of the inhabitants are of the people 
called Quakers, and principled against bearing arms on 
any occasion, — that your excellencies w^ll take their pecu- 
liar situation into your wise consideration, and grant them 
such relief as will furnish them with a subsistence only. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 113 

Your petitioners do not wish, neither will they presume 
to ask, any indulgences that will counteract the plans of 
government. As the inhabitants of said island were here- 
tofore wholly employed in the whale and cod fishery, and 
at present every other means of subsistence being cut off, 
they hope your excellencies will permit twenty fishing 
boats to fish round the island of Nantucket, and four ves- 
sels to be employed in the whale fishery, and ten small 
vessels to supply the inhabitants with wood, and one to 
go to New York for some little supplies ; said vessels be- 
ing put under such regulations as your excellencies shall 
see meet. Your petitioners likewise beg of your excel- 
lencies, that you will prohibit all armed vessels and arm- 
ed men from going to Nantucket to take the property of 
the island from thence. 

And your petitioners as in duty bound shall pray. 
Timothy Folger, 
Agent for the inhabitants of Nantucket. 
New York, 9th July, 1780. 

This petition, although it had not that immediate effect 
which was asked for, proved of much advantage in pro- 
moting the much desired object, that of whaling without 
the risk of capture. The subject was constantly kept in 
view by the inhabitants, and, as often as opportunity pre- 
sented, permission was asked of the British for that pur- 
pose. In the year 1781 depredations were frequently 
made by the enemy's cruisers that occasionally came into 
the harbor. The people were thus kept in constant 
agitation, not knowing what measures to pursue, except 
to repeat their petitions and remonstrances to the British 
commanders. They had frequent occasion to resort to 
8 



114 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

this mode of proceeding, which always appeared to have 
some good effect, but promised no permanent advantage. 
Li 1781, notwithstanding the many discouragements 
presented in renewing petitions to the British command- 
ers-in-chief, yet, no other means appearing hkely to pre- 
vent the frequent depredations of the enemy on the prop- 
erty of the inhabitants, a memorial was again resorted to, 
and a committee to bear it was appointed by the town. 
The committee were instructed to proceed to New Yoik, 
to Admiral Digby, and to give him a correct statement of 
the difficulties and embarrassments of the people in many 
respects, particularly from the conduct of British cruisers 
as above stated. They were further directed to ask such 
indulgences as could be consistently granted. On their 
return, they made the following report to the town. 

To the inhabitants of the town of Sherburne, in town 
meeting assembled. 
Respected Friends, 
Agreeably to the appointment by tlie town, on the 3d 
of the 10th month last, we proceeded to New York, and 
presented your memorial to Admiral Digby, commander- 
in-chief there. We also represented the peaceable conduct 
maintained by the inhabitants in general, in the course of 
the present contest, with the exposed situation of the 
island, and that recent depredations had been made upon 
us ; upon which an inquiry into the general state and 
circumstances of the island took place, which determined 
the Admiral to exercise his authority in our favor, and 
accordingly gave us his positive order to prevent any fur- 
ther molestation of our persons and property within the 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



115 



bar of the harbor, which we herewith deliver. We are 

your friends. 

Samuel Starbuck, 
William Rotch, 
Benjamin Hussey. 
Sherburne, 12 mo. 19th, 1781. 

We regret that a copy of the memorial and also the 
order alluded to in the committee's report, cannot be found. 
The town's committee being now in New York, and fully 
authorized, renewed the petition to whale, and finally 
succeeded. Towards the latter part of the year a con- 
siderable numberof permits for that purpose were obtained. 
The following is a copy of one of them. 

[l. s.] By Robert Digby, Esquire, Rear Admiral of the 
Red, and Commander-in-chief, &c.&:c. 



James Chase, 
Obadiah Folger, 
George Coleman, 
Silvanus Swain, 
Charles Russell, 
Peter Pollard, 
Andrew Coleman, 
Obed Barnard, 
Jonathan Briggs. 



Permission is hereby given to the 
Dolphin brig, burthen sixty tons. 
Waller Folger owner, navigated by 
Gilbert Folger as master and the 
twelve seamen named in the mar- 
gin, to leave the island of Nantucket 
and to proceed on a whaling voy- 
age. — To commence the first of 
January, 17S-2, and end the last 

day of following, provid- 

J>ed that they have on board the 
necessary whaling craft and provis- 
ions only, and that the master of 
said brig is possessed of a certificate 
from the selectmen of the said island, 
setting forth that she is bone fide 
the property of the inhabitants of 



116 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

the island, with the names of the 
master and seamen of her ; and that 
she shall not be found proceeding 
with her cargo to any other port 
than Nantucket or New York. 
Dated at New York, the first day of December, 1781, 

Robert Digby. 
To the commissioners of his majesty's ships and vessels 
of war, as well as of all privateers and letters of marque. 
By command of the Adniiral. 

Thomas M. Palmer. 



This privilege seemed to give new hfe to the people. 
It produced a considerable movement in business, but the 
resources of the island had so diminished, that but a small 
number of vessels could take the benefit of these permits. 
Those who had vessels, and were possessed of the means, 
fitted them out on short voyages, and, had there been no 
hindrance, it is probable that they would have done well ; 
for the whales, having been unmolested for several years, 
had become numerous, and were pretty easily caught. 

To carry on the whale fishery under permission of the 
government of Great Britain, was a proceeding somewhat 
novel, and could not pass unnoticed. Although it was 
not publicly known, yet it was generally believed, that 
some kind of indulgence had been shown by the enemy 
to the people of Nantucket. This caused some clamor 
on the continent ; but our government well knew the sit- 
uation of the place, and its large participation in the 
calamities of war, and was, consequently, rather inclined 
to favor than to condemn the acceptance of favors from 
the English. Although the government could not grant 
an exclusive privilege to any particular part of the union, 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 117 

yet such encouragement was given by the leading men of 
the nation, in their individual capacity, as to warrant the 
proceeding. Several vessels, whaling under these per- 
mits, were taken by American privateers, and carried into 
port, but in every instance they were soon hberated. 
Whenever it was found that the permits were used for no 
other purpose than that for which they were granted, and 
that the vessels using them had not been engaged in illicit 
trade, there was no hesitation in releasing them. 

In the early part of the war, notes or bills were issued 
by the state legislature, and also by congress, called money. 
This paper medium was freely taken by the people of 
Nantucket, and served in lieu of specie in the line of 
trade ; but it was not long before it began to depreciate 
in its nominal value. Still as there was little real money 
in circulation, this paper having been made a lawful ten- 
der, the people continued to take it ; indeed it was diffi- 
cult to avoid doing so, and yet carry on business. This 
paper currency continued to be the circulating medium 
during the war, but it gradually depreciated from year to 
year, until it became valueless. Many people suffered 
from this cause ; some, who sold their oil in the early part 
of the war, took the money in payment, and laid it by 
until the war closed, at which time it was worth nothing. 
Those who held it were flattered for years afterwards, 
that government would redeem it, but this was never done. 
In 1782 there began to be joyful anticipations of peace. 
The English government this year acknowledged the 
independence of America. Favorable omens animated 
the minds of the people. The prospect continued to 
brighten, though each one was cautious not to place too 
great confidence in appearances, through fear of disap- 



118 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

pointment. The year 1783 commenced with renewed 
encouragements that peace would soon be estabhshed, 
which was verified by General Washington's resignation 
of his commission to congress in the twelfth month. Joy 
pervaded all parts of the country, and was no where more 
heartfelt than at Nantucket ; for, perhaps, no place had 
suffered more. In the early part of the year 1784 peace 
was ratified between the United States and Great Britain. 
In 1775 the tonnage owned at Nantucket, as nearly as 
we can ascertain, was 14,867 tons. During the war 15 
vessels were lost at sea, and 134 were captured ; total loss 
in tonnage, 12,467 tons, of which more than 10,000 tons 
fell into the hands of the enemy. It would be difficult, at 
this period, to make an estimate of the value of these ves- 
sels ; many of them had on board valuable cargoes. They 
were navigated by the youth and manhood of the island. 
Of the crews, some perished miserably in prison-ships, 
others lingered years in confinement ; some entered the 
service of the country, others returned home destitute to 
destitute families. To these considerations, if we add 
losses by plunderers, the almost total stoppage of all busi- 
ness during the w^ar, the insufficiency of the soil to pro- 
duce food for the inhabitants, the almost constant block- 
ading of the harbor by the English or the Refiigees, it will 
not be doubted that Nantucket paid as dearly for the 
independence of our country as any place in the union. 



( 119 ) 



CHAPTER VII. 



The joyful sound of peace now echoed through the 
land, in which the people of Nantucket thankfully par- 
ticipated. Although the greater part were miserably poor, 
yet they were not insensible of the manifold favors shown 
them during the continuance of the war. They were at 
all times more exposed to the enemy than the people of 
many places which had been plundered and burnt. They 
had been favored beyond their expectation, at times when 
nothing appeared but imminent danger. English armed 
vessels often visited their harbor, but, except in a few in- 
stances, already mentioned, there had been little loss of 
property on that account. It was evident, at many times, 
that an overruling Power had watched over them, and 
assisted them through many difficulties which would 
otherwise have proved distressing. The seafaring peo- 
ple, whose necessities exposed them to the casualties 
of war, suffered very much. Many were cut off, in the 
prime of hfe, by the prison-ship, by disasters at sea, in 
battle, or by other causes produced by war. Many 
mourning families were thus driven to beg their bread. 
Many bereaved and aged parents were left to mourn over 
their offspring, snatched from them by violence or disease 
in distant parts and under distressing circumstances. But 
peace was now restored, and all were glad to exchange 
severe sufferings and sad forebodings for active business 



120 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



and pleasing anticipations. It was, however, with feeble 
efforts, that they at first attempted to resume their wonted 
occupations. At the commencement of the war, there 
were more than an hundred and fifty vessels belonging to 
the place ; at its close there remained only two or three 
old hulks. The town exhibited the appearance of a 
deserted village rather than of a flourishing seaport 
containing upwards of four thousand inhabitants. The 
buildings had received no paint and scarce any repairs 
during the war, and a considerable number of the oldest 
houses were in a rapid course of dilapidation. 



The following extract from the valuation taken in 
1784, will show, in some measure, the situation of the 
place at that time. 

Families 

Inhabitants 



Houses 
Widows 

Orphan children 
Indians 
Horses 

Cows and oxen 
Sheep 

Tons of shipping, the greater part of which 
was purchased since the close of the war 
Tons of shipping lost and taken since 1775 



767 
4,268 
551 
202 
342 
35 
267 
693 
3,000 

2,400 

11,131 



Such is a picture of the situation and circumstances 
of the place at that period. Although it wore a gloomy 
aspect, the minds of the people were animated, and they 
manifested a lively disposition for business. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



121 



About this time many young men came home from 
different parts, where they had been confined as prisoners. 
Some of them had been absent so long, without being 
heard from, that their connexions had rehnquished all 
hope of ever seeing them again. 

Those persons, who had capital left, resumed the whal- 
ing with a small number of vessels. The whales, having 
been but little disturbed during the war, were very numer- 
ous on the coasts where they were sought, so that the 
few vessels engaged in the business generally made pros- 
perous voyages. The oil sold immediately for a good 
price, which encouraged new adventurers to embark in 
the business, whose hmited means compelled them to 
take small risks at the commencement. 

The peace produced as great a revolution in business 
as the war had done. The currency of paper, as a sub- 
stitute for money, which had caused such confusion in the 
prices of articles, having now ceased, and the paper itself 
having become valueless except as a representative of 
loss and ruin, trade began to assume a regular course. 
The following table will show the prices of a few articles, 
the first year or two after peace took place. 









dolls, cts, 


Spermaceti oil .... 141 67 


Head matter 






213 33 


Molasses, per gallon 






— 67 


Sperm candles, per pound 






— 41 


Corn, per bushel 






•— 67 


Fish, per quintal 






3 00 


Wood, per cord 






2 61 


Sugar, per cwt. 






8 00 


Flour, per barrel 






5 50 


Common labor, per day 






— 67 



122 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

The foregoing prices continued without much variation 
for several years, and they may be taken as a criterion 
for the value of other property, except oil, which lessened 
in price very much, causing thereby considerable discour- 
agement to the whaling business. 

The price of most kinds of real estate was very low 
for many years after the peace, which was occasioned by 
the great want of money, to enter into business with. 
The price of cows' commons varied from ten to twelve 
pounds. Other real estate, such as houses and settle- 
ments in various parts of the town, that sold for five hun- 
dred dollars, would, ten years before, have sold for three 
or four times that amount. One cause for the deprecia- 
tion of real estate, was, that those who carried on farm- 
ing, during the war, now abandoned that employment and 
turned their attention to whaling or fishing, or some 
branches of business connected therewith. The farming 
was thus left in a declining condition, there being but few 
other than aged men, and young lads to conduct it. 

The long projecting point at the north-east part of the 
island, called Great Point, had long been considered a 
suitable situation for a light-house, but the late war pre- 
vented the buildinor of one. In 1784 a fiojht-house was 
erected there by the state, which stood until 11th month, 
1816, at which time it was destroyed by fire. Soon after 
another was built of stone. The first was considered one 
of the best in the United States. The fight, when kept 
in good order, shone more brilfiantly, it was said, than any 
other on the coast. The point, on which it stood, projected 
far into the sea, which renders the light very beneficial to 
vessels passing through the sound. The site was ceded 
to the United States in 1790. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 123 

The first light-house on Brant Point, at the entrance of 
the harbor, burnt down in 1759 : the fire was supposed 
to have been communicated fi'om the lamps. The se- 
cond was blown down in 1774. A third was burnt in 
the fall of 1783 ; in this instance, also, the fire was thought 
to have communicated from the lamps. The next was a 
wooden lantern, with glass windows, which was hoisted 
between two spars with grooves to steady the lantern. 

This was a dim light, hence it received the name of 
^' bug light." The fifth was a frame, with the top fitted 
for the lights; this blew down. The light-liouses on 
Brant Point, above-mentioned, and the expense of keep- 
ing them, were at the charge of the town. When the 
general government was about to furnish the sea coast 
with light-houses, it was thought expedient, by the inhab- 
itants, that a new one should be erected, which was done 
on application to that effect ; and the land on which it 
stood was accordingly ceded to the United States. This 
last, being old, was a few years since taken down and an- 
other erected in its stead, with a dwelling-house for the 
keeper attached. The government has placed buoys on 
the shoals and bar, near the entrance of the harbor, to 
guide vessels passing in and out. They are taken away 
in the winter to prevent their being carried off by the 
ice. 

At the close of the revolutionary war, there was a 
considerable number of men too far advanced in life to 
resume the whaling business, in which they had pre- 
viously been engaged. " Having lost nine years of their 
life to no profit," to use their own expression, it became 
necessary to resort to other business for a subsistence. 
The cod fishery at that time appeared likely to become 



124 HISTORY 01' NANTUCKET. 

a permanent business of the place. It was therefore 
adopted by this class. The encouragement to prosecute 
this branch appeared very promising to a number of com- 
mercial men, who embarked therein with their property. 
The fish, on the great fishing banks, were found exceed- 
ingly plenty, by the people of Marblehead, and Cape 
Cod, &:c., and the price was such as yielded a good profit. 
With these prospects, a number of vessels were put into 
the service, some of which went to the Grand Bank, 
Newfoundland, Cape Sable, and other places eastward, 
and others of small burthen went out upon the shoals to 
the eastward of the island. They generally obtained 
good voyages, and the fish sold well for the first two or three 
years. The business, however, dwindled by degrees ; at 
length it was clearly proved, that it was not suited to the 
genius and inclinations of the people. The vessels, ex- 
cept a few that continued to fish in the vicinity of the 
island, were put into other employment. 

It may be asked, why could not the people of Nan- 
tucket carry on the cod fishing to as much advantage and 
profit as the people of Marblehead and Cape Cod ? The 
reasons are obvious. First ; the middle-aged, as before 
mentioned, who were too far advanced in life to return to 
their former business, were the only class to be met with 
that would engage in the fishing : and of these there was 
not a sufficient number to prosecute the business, with the 
energy and to the extent which the nature of it required, 
in order to render it profitable. In the second place, the 
people were unaccustomed to the business, and unwilling 
to engage in it, for their attention and study were con- 
stantly fixed on that of whaling. They could not be 
brought to believe, that the cod fishing would answer on 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 125 

any principle upon which it was conducted. It was, 
therefore, impossible to obtain men of the first abilities to 
go in the vessels. The owners had recourse to the Cape 
to man their vessels, where they had to encounter similar 
difficulties ; for the most capable and active part of the 
population there, engaged in this employment, could al- 
ways have all the encouragement which the business af- 
forded, without leaving their homes. 

Under these considerations, the cod fishing was aban- 
doned, as before stated. 

In 1785, the whale fishery gave promise of much pro- 
fit : provisions and other articles used in outfits were soon 
reduced to moderate prices, while that of oil was high. 
This continued, however, for but a short duration, for in 
the latter part of the following year, sperm oil, in its 
crude state, sold for £24 and head matter for £45 per 
ton ; which caused much discouragement in the minds of 
the people, and led them to think of other and more 
profitable business. The people in general had flattered 
themselves that all difficulties and embarrassments in their 
line of business, would cease with the war; and that they 
might, with every prospect of advantage, pursue the w^hale 
fishery with quietness. Many embarked all their prop- 
erty ; but what was their disappointment, after obtaining 
a good fare of oil, to find that it would not defray the ex- 
pense of the voyage ! This w-as not only discouraging, 
but alarming, to the principal commercial men. Many- 
ways were devised to remedy these difficulties. It was 
urged that, if the island could be placed in a state of neu- 
trality it would be beneficial to the whole community ; 
that it would increase the trade to various parts of the 
world, which, together with the little whaling that would 



126 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

be carried on, would be likely to remove every complaint : 
and that the country at large would derive many benefits 
from the measure. As nothing could be done without 
legislative assistance, several town meetings were held to 
deliberate on the subject, and at length a large committee 
was appointed to draft a memorial to the general court, 
representing the situation of the town, and asking such 
relief as might appear adequate to the emergency. The 
committee was also instructed to take the subject of the 
neutrality of the place under consideration, on which they 
made the following report : — 

" The committee appointed by the town to draft a me- 
morial to present to the general court, in behalf of the 
inhabitants of the island, have attended to that business, 
and have reported the same to the satisfaction of the 
town, and as the same committee were directed to form 
a plan for the town to proceed upon, such as they ap- 
prehended would answer the best purposes, and be most 
for the interest of the whole, crave leave to report, that, 
it is the unanimous opinion of the committee, that the 
whale fishery cannot be preserved to this place, nor any 
part of that business be carried on by the inhabitants of 
the island, without great loss attending it, which will of 
course reduce the inhabitants to a state of poverty and 
distress; and it is their opinion, that the only possible 
remedy is, in placing the island and its inhabitants in a 
state of neutrality, which if obtained may perhaps put it 
m the power of the inhabitants, to preserve so much of 
the whale fishery as may procure them a subsistence." 

^' But as the memoiial says nothing respecting a state of 
neutrality, but only requests the government to point out 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 127 

some method for us to secure some part of the whale 
fishery, which, if they should do, and it should appear to 
the agents of the town on this business, that it will effect- 
ually answer the meaning and intention of the memorial, 
in that case a state of neutrality may not be moved for, 
but the committee are fully of the opinion, that a matter 
of so much consequence must, in a great measure, be 
left to the wisdom, prudence, and integrity of your agent, 
or agents, that may have the conducting of this business 
with the government." 

The above report was signed by the committee, consist- 
ing of nine persons. 

Nantucket, 5th mo. 2d, 1785. 

The memorial, mentioned in the above report, was for- 
warded to the general court by a committee who w^ere 
instructed to use their endeavors to have the whole car- 
ried into effect, the subject of neutrality, as well as that 
pertaining to the whale fishery. 

But the subject of neutrality did not meet with that 
cordial reception, which was anticipated. It was deemed 
inconsistent by the legislature, to grant an indulgence to 
one section of the commonwealth, by which all could 
not be benefited, and by which the general interests of 
commerce might be injured. 

The depression in the whaling business was, however, 
too evident to need proof; and the legislature seemed 
disposed to render their aid and assistance as far as would 
be consistent with the interests of the commonwealth. 
In conformity with this purpose it was thought necessary 
to encourage the whale fishery throughout the state, by 
putting a bounty on the diffdient kinds of whale oil. A 



128 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

resolve passed the legislature, in 1785, of which the fol- 
lowing is a copy : — 

" Whereas this court, having a due sense of the high 
worth and importance of the whale fishery, are desirous 
of its preservation, not only to this state, but to the United 
States in general ; therefore, resolved, that there be paid, 
out of the treasury of this commonwealth, the following 
bounties upon whale oil, of the different qualities hereafter 
mentioned, viz. : 

For every ton of white spermaceti oil, five pounds. 

For every ton of brown or yellow spermaceti oil, sixty 
shillings. 

For every ton of whale oil, (so called,) forty shillings, 
that may be taken or caught by any vessel or vessels, that 
are or may be owned and manned wholly by the inhabit- 
ants of this commonwealth, and landed within the same, 
from and after the first day of January next, until the 
further order of the general court. 

And be it further resolved, that the selectmen of each 
town, within this commonwealth, where said fishery is 
carried on, be, and they hereby are empowered and di- 
rected to appoint an inspector or inspectors, who, (first 
making oath for the due performance of his or their duty,) 
shall inspect all such oil, so landed, with an iron oil-search- 
er, and with a marking-iron, mark on the head of each 
cask so inspected, the initial letters of his name, describ- 
ing the quality of the oil by the letters W. B. Y. VV. O. 
annexed, and make certificate thereof to the selectmen 
of such town, as aforesaid, under oath: such inspector or 
inspectors to be paid by the owner or owners of such oil, 
so inspected, on certificate being produced as aforesaid. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 129 

And it is further resolved that, in order to entitle the 
owner or owners of the oil, so taken, landed, inspected, 
and marked, as aforesaid, to the bounty or bounties afore- 
said, the owner or owners of the vessel or vessels, that 
took and landed the same, shall produce, to the governor 
and council, a certificate, from under the hands of the 
selectmen of the town, where the said oil was landed and 
inspected, as aforesaid ; which certificate shall be in the 
following words, mutatis mutandis : 

N , ss. 178-. This certifies that the A. B. 

master, owned by E. F. of , in the county afore- 
said, arrived at this port from a whahng voyage, on the 

instant, (or as the case may be,) and had on board 

the following quantities of oil, hereafter named, viz. : — 

Tons of white spermaceti oil. 

■ Tons of brown or yellow spermaceti oil. 

Tons of whale oil. 

The whole of which was landed at said port of , 



and there inspected according to law, and a certificate 
thereof, under the hand of A. B., sworn inspector of the 
port aforesaid, to us produced. 

> Selectmen of . 

And it is further resolved, that the said owner, or own- 
ers, together with the master, mentioned in the said certi- 
ficate, shall each of them subscribe the same ; and the 
said owner or owiiers, together with the said master, shall 
make oath before some justice of the peace, for the same 
county, in the form following, to wit. : — 
9 



130 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

YoLi, A. B. and C. D., do solemnly swear, (or affirm,) 
that you were the sole owners of the , A. B. mas- 
ter, mentioned in the certificate, during the whole time 
she was employed in the whale voyage, herein mentioned, 
and that the quantity of oil, aforesaid, was taken or caught 
by the persons employed on board said vessel, during said 
voyage, which vessel was navigated and manned wholly 
by the inhabitants of this state, and that no foreigner, di- 
rectly or indirectly, hath, or had, any share, part or inter- 
est therein, and that the whole of said oil w^as taken or 
caught after the first day of December, A. D. 1785. 
So help you God. 

And it is further resolved, that upon such certificate 
being produced to the governor and council, the gov- 
ernor, by and with the consent of the council, be and 
he is hereby empowered to grant a warrant on the treas- 
ury of this commonwealth, for the payment of the boun- 
ties in manner aforesaid. 

And it is further resolved, that the secretary be and 
be is hereby directed to publish the foregoing resolve in 
Adams and Nourse's, the Essex, Falmouth, and Plymouth 
newspapers." 

This resolve was carried into operation, and in some 
measure afforded relief, but it was attended, at the same 
time, with embarrassments which were not anticipated, 
and could not be obviated. The duration of the bounty 
was not limited by the resolve, and it did not continue 
long in operation ; ways and means opened beyond rea- 
sonable expectation, which gave encouragement to the 
whale fishery, and the bounty was withdrawn. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 131 

The bounty was at first a pleasing thing and what many 
had been laboring for a long time. It extended to all 
who had any share in the oil. The desired relief, thus 
afforded, animated the people to renewed activity, but 
the effect was directly opposite to wliat was anticipated. 
The bounty, being granted to the inhabitants of the state 
generally, held out such flattering prospects, as to induce 
people in many places to enter into the whaling business. 
Thus the result was injurious rather than advantageous to 
the interests of Nantucket. 

The principal cause to be assigned for this was, that 
the consumption was not sufficiently extensive in this 
country to command a sale, except at reduced prices ; 
for there had been a suspension of the use of oil for many 
pi-eceding years, and the people generally, throughout the 
country, used tallow candles. Little oil was used at that 
time either for lighthouses or towns. In England the 
whaling business was already so established, and carried 
on so extensively, that it w^ould not produce much profit 
to ship oil there, subjected as it was to duty after the 
revolutionary war. Some oil was, however, sent thither, 
wdiilst the price was very low here, which, together wdth 
the rapid increase of its use in this country, created a 
good demand for it, at a good price. It was found, on 
trial, to be better than tallow and to give a much more 
brilliant light. 

The prospect was now changed, and the inhabitants 
began to make new advances, with the pleasing hope that 
the principal obstacles to their business were removed. 
But another difficulty soon arose, which lessened the 
demand for oil, as it reduced the price in England so that 
it would not bear shipping there from this country, and 



132 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

considerably clogged the whaling business for a time. The 
English government had ever found it for their interest to 
encourage the whale fishery within their own dominions. 
Besides the many advantages derived from procuring their 
own oil, they valued it as one of the best nurseries for 
seamen. No opportunity was, therefore, neglected to 
promote its interests. In order to encourage the business 
in America, they fixed upon Halifax as the most eligible 
place for that purpose. Here was an excellent harbor, 
in or out of which vessels of any burthen could pass 
either in winter or summer. It was probable that a good 
market would be found for oil imported there, as soon as 
it was landed. The government held out such alluring 
prospects to such of the people of Nantucket as should 
remove thither and pursue the whaling business, that a 
considerable number were induced to try the experiment. 
In 1786 and 1787 they settled on the shore opposite to 
the town of Halifax, and there built dwelling-houseSy 
wharves, spermaceti candle-works, stores, he, calling 
the name of the place Dartmouth. There they carried 
bn the business several years, and reaped the benefit of 
every advantage which the government was willing to 
allow them. They appeared likely to succeed in their 
undertaking, and the place seemed destined to become of 
great importance. But their prosperity was not of long 
duration : for, in a few years, some of the principal pro- 
moters of the removal grew uneasy, having a prospect of 
greater advantage held out to them by the government, 
to remove to Milford Haven, in the west of England, 
there to establish and prosecute the whale fishery. This 
being greatly to the detriment of many of the settlers at 
Dartmouth, it was opposed by them, but to no purpose. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 133 

In a short time, therefore, the flourishing httle settlement 
was nearly broken up. A number of families removed 
to England, carrying their property with them ; which 
proved so injurious to the interests of the remainder, that 
they began immediately to abandon the enterprise and 
the place, disappointed in the hope which they had a 
few years before entertained, that they had gained a set- 
tlement which would prove to their lasting comfort and 
advantage. They could not leave the place without 
•making great sacrifices in the sale of such property as 
could not be carried away with them. The place be- 
came nearly depopulated in a short time, for it was not a 
situation invitinsj to other business than that of whalino-. 

Those who removed to Milford Haven carried on the 
business extensively during many years. The privileges 
allowed them by government were such, as to give every 
encouragement that could reasonably be desired. 

By the removal to Halifax, Nantucket was deprived 
of much capital and of many of the most active whale- 
men. The loss was severely felt, and operated as a dis- 
couragement to the whaling business. But the market 
for oil grew better, and it was not long before this seem- 
ing difficulty was removed. The business became pros- 
perous, many new adventurers engaged in it, and the 
number of vessels considerably increased. Sloops and 
schooners, and a few brigs had heretofore been employed, 
which were mostly sent to the West Indies, the coast of 
Guinea, and to different ports on the coast of North 
America. The whales having become scarce at these 
places, it was necessary to explore new coasts in search 
of them. Larger vessels were accordingly introduced 
into the business, some of them ships, which were sent 



134 HISTORY OF ^*»4NTUCKET. 

to the coast of Brazil, where the right whales were very 
numerous. They frequently obtained considerable quan- 
tities of sperm oil on these voyages, which brought a 
much greater price than whale oil. The ships generally 
returned with full cargoes. 

In 1787 some difficulties arose in the stale of Massa- 
chusetts, which claimed the attention of the legislature ; 
and in their deliberations the necessity was urged of 
causing all persons holding any or either of the principal 
municipal offices in the commonwealth, to take and sub- 
scribe the oath of allegiance prescribed by the consti- 
tution. This was carried into effect by the following 
resolve : 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

Li the House of Representatives, March 10th, 1787. 

Resolved, That the several persons that have been or 
may hereafter be chosen for the present year as select- 
men, assessors, town clerk, town treasurer, constables, 
and collectors in the several towns, districts, and planta- 
tions of this commonwealth, be and they hereby are 
required, before the town clerk, or before some justice of 
the peace, to take and subscribe the oath of allegiance as 
prescribed in the constitution of this commonwealth, and 
the same certificate shall be made, if taken before a justice 
of the peace, as is already provided by law for the oaths 
of town, district, or plantation officers ; and the town clerk 
is directed to record tlie same in the book in which he is 
directed by law to record the several oaths to be taken 
by the said officers respectively, to qualify them to per- 
form the duties thereof; and no act of either of the 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 135 

officers aforesaid shall, after one month from the passhig 
of this resolve, be esteemed valid in law, until they have 
taken and subscribed the oath aforesaid ; any law, usage, 
or custom to the contrary notwithstanding. 

And he it further resolved, That in case any person, 
chosen to either of the offices aforesaid, shall neglect or 
refuse, within one month from the passing this resolve, 
and hereafter annually, within seven days from the time 
of his election, the town to which such person or persons 
belong, at a legal meeting appointed for that purpose, 
shall proceed to make choice of some other person or 
persons, to serve in the office or offices to which the 
person or persons so neglecting or refusing had been 
elected ; and the person or persons so refusing or neglect- 
ing to take the oath as aforesaid, shall be liable to the 
same penalties as is by law provided in case of refusal to 
serve in the office to which he or they have been elected. 

»And that the secretary be and he is hereby directed to 
publish these resolves in the several newspapers, three 
weeks at least, successively, and to ti'ansmit a copy of 
the same to the clerk of each town, district, or plantation 
in this commonwealth. 

The above resolve was very obnoxious to the people 
of Nantucket, there being in the town a large number of 
tlie society of Friends, and many others who could not 
conscientiously take the formal oath on any occasion. 
When it was found that so large a portion of the inhabit- 
ants were deprived of the common privileges of citizen- 
ship, and the town of their services as annual officers, it 
became necessary to take some measures to obviate the 
evil. The town convened on the occasion, and preferred 



136 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

a petition to the legislature, asking relief, which was not 
at that time granted to the satisfaction of the town. The 
petition was renewed at the next session of the general 
court, and a committee appointed to present the same. 
By this means the case was more fully understood, and 
satisfactory rehef was consequently afforded. The fol- 
lowing is a copy of the petition : 

To the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massa- 
chusetts. 

The petition of William Rotch, in behalf of the inhab- 
itants of the town of Sherburne, on the island of Nan- 
tucket, respectfully showeth, 

That the inhabitants of Nantucket are much embar- 
rassed in the prosecution of the internal affairs of that 
island, on account of a resolve passed in the general court, 
dated March 10th, 1787, requiring a test of certain town 
officers therein expressed, by which, from the very small 
number that can submit to such a declaration, a great part 
of the inhabitants are deprived of the privilege of that free 
choice of such persons as they apprehend the most suita- 
ble to conduct the affairs of the town ; the inhabitants 
addressed the general court last year by petition on the 
subject, and stated their grievance, which was taken into 
consideration ; and the senate and house of representa- 
tives respectively made an essay for their rehef, adequate 
to the object desired, but they not uniting in the mode, 
the matter was dropped, and the inhabitants left without 
that redress they had reason to expect, and that the court 
had endeavored to extend. 

Your petitioner, therefore, prays your consideration on 
the subject, and that you would be pleased to grant us 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 137 

such relief, from the operation of said resolve, as you in 
wisdom may think fit. 

William Rotch. 
In behalf of the inhabitants of Nantucket. 
Boston, 11th mo. 4th, 1788. 

Previous to the late war, it was found that the manu- 
facturing of sperm candles was a lucrative branch of 
business. Several new factories were now established for 
that purpose. The proprietors purchased the crude oil as 
it came from sea, from which they separated the sperm. 
The candles were mostly sent to the different seaports on 
the continent, and thence large quantities of them were 
shipped to the West Indies, and other parts of the world. 
The oil, separated from the sperm, was almost wholly 
consumed in the United States. Oil, in its unmanu- 
factured state, was sometimes sent, to England, but the 
duties there were so high as to allow but little profit to 
the exporters. 

The lidit-houses within the states bes^an to augment 
in number, about this time, which increased the consump- 
tion of sperm oil, and added to its price. Whale oil was 
obtained in greater quantities than sperm oil, and being 
afforded at about one half the price of the latter, it gave 
an opportunity for a more general use to be made of it. 
Although it does not give so brilliant a light as sperm oil, 
it will last nearly twice as long, so that on the whole it 
is very much cheaper, and will answer tolerably well for 
common lights. It is also serviceable in machinery and 
for sundry other uses, which renders it a valuable com- 
modity. At the time we speak of, it commanded a ready 
sale in most of the larger seaports on the continent, from 



138 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

which it was shipped to various parts of the world, par- 
ticularly to the West Indies. It generally constituted a 
part of the cargoes of most of the West India traders. 
Sometimes one barrel of it w^ould bring two of flour from 
Baltimore or Philadelphia, clear of expense. 

The obtaining of so great a number of right-whales 
produced more bone than could find a ready market, so 
that the price was reduced very low. Previous to the 
war, it frequently sold for one dollar a pound, it was now 
sold at ten cents, and sometimes even lower. The num- 
ber of vessels increasing very fast, rendered it sometimes 
difficult to procure, on the island, enough men to navigate 
tliem. None of the natives were left, capable of going 
to sea. It therefore became necessary to resort to the 
continent for a considerable portion of each crew, whence 
there were brought some Indians and a great number of 
negroes. Many of the latter took up their residence here, 
and became the heads of families. They built a cluster 
of houses near the south part of the town, which is called 
New Guinea. Their inebriety, and want of economy, 
generally kept them poor, although they made great 
voyages. 

Blest with the enjoyment of peace, all were glad to 
turn their attention from the distressing scenes of the late 
conflict to the pursuits of peaceful life. But the eflects 
of the war on the manners and customs of the inhabitants 
yet remained. Coming from various parts of the world, 
where they had been detained as prisoners, or whither 
they had wandered as exiles from their native home, 
many had brought with them the fashions and the morals 
of other nations. The change was observable in their 
dress and mode of living : it added materially to their 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 139 

expenses, and sometimes led to permanent injury. The 
great success in whaling, though it pretty generally over- 
balanced the increased expenses in living, had no ten- 
dency to lessen the immoralities which were unhappily 
introduced into society. 

The whaling business gradually increased from year to 
year, though it occasionally met with depressions which 
checked its progress and created considerable uneasiness. 
In 1792 the people of New Bedford turned their atten- 
tion to it more particularly than heretofore. A number 
of vessels were put into the service there, and some from 
Boston and Long Island. The quantity of oil thus im- 
ported exceeded the consumption, and kept the price 
below the cost to importers. 

A few years previous to the revolution in France, in 
1792, a new market opened for whale oil in that country, 
which gave encouragement that it would eventually be 
the best place for the sale of the article that could be 
found. Its use received every encouragement from some 
of the first characters of that nation, under a conviction 
that it was better adapted to common purposes than oil 
from seeds. Some shipments were made, which met 
with a profitable sale. Sperm oil was also introduced 
into France by way of trial, and lamps were sent there 
from England by private individuals to encourage its use. 
There appeared every prospect of success, and it is pro- 
bable, that France would soon have become a great mart 
for oil, if the revolution had not taken place. The con- 
fusion which followed that event put an end to all favor- 
able prospects from that quarter. The shipments w^hich 
were made there afterwards did not meet with prices 
sufficient to pay costs. 



140 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

It is probable, tbat the business of killing whales may 
appear, to those entirely unacquainted with it, to be a 
very dangerous employment ; as the people engaged 
therein are under the necessity of approaching the le- 
viathan within the reach of a harpoon. Experience has 
taught them the best method to execute their business 
with the least danger. It is not common for any person 
to lose his life while thus engaged. The business is 
found to be as healthy as any on land or at sea. It has 
been remarked, that every man, belonging to a fleet of 
about thirty sail of whaling vessels, returned in good 
health, from a voyage of nearly a year's duration, from 
the coast of Brazil. Experience indeed has shown, what 
might at first view seem incredible, that fewer men die in 
the whaling service than in any other branch of naviga- 
tion.^ 

During several years previous to 1790 many profitable 
sealing voyages were made from England and other 
places. This induced the people of Nantucket to turn 
their attention to that business, with a view to prosecute 
it, if it presented a good prospect of advantage. Sealing 
was, in many respects, nearly allied with whaling. Seals 
and whales were generally met with on the same coast ; 
it required as large vessels and as many men to engage 
in taking the former as the latter ; the outfits were nearly 
the same, and the voyages were of like duration. In 
1790 one vessel was fitted out for the coast of Africa, on 
a sealing expedition, but the original plan of the voyage 
was not adhered to, and the cruise was unsuccessful. 



1 For some further particulars as to the mode of conducting whal- 
ing voyages, &c., we refer our readers to Second Part. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 141 

But it had some good effect ; for some useful knowledge 
was acquired respecting the different parts of the busi- 
ness, which was afterwards prosecuted to a considerable 
profit. 

In 1791 vessels first went from Nantucket into the 
Pacific Ocean, in pursuit of whales. Some successful 
cruises had been made on the western coast of South 
America by vessels from England, previous to this time, 
which encouraged the people of Nantucket to engage in 
similar voyages. Although the prospect of success was 
very promising, it was with diffidence that they engaged 
therein, knowing that these voyages must necessarily be 
longer than they had been used to, and that they must 
suffer much inconvenience, if not embarrassment, from 
laying out of their property so long a time. The ships 
first sent out returned loaded with oil, and reported that 
whales were plenty, the coast agreeable to cruise on, and 
the climate healthy. This was sufficient encouragement, 
notwithstanding the length of the voyages, for a consider- 
able part of the whaling interest to be directed that way. 
An additional number of vessels w^as then fitted out, 
which together made a considerable fleet. 

The space which we have allotted to ourselves will 
not allow us to enter frequently into minute details. But 
the following brief description of the outfits, &ic. of the 
first ship that doubled Cape Horn, from Nantucket, is 
too interesting to be omitted. We are indebted for it 
to Capt. Worth, who commanded the ship. A compari- 
son of the tonnage, cost, outfits, and duration of the 
voyage of the Ship Beaver with those of ships now en- 
gaged in the service, will, v>^e think, show an onward 
progress in the whale fishery, to which we shall hardly 
find a parallel in any other business. 



142 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

'' Captain Paul Worth, in a new ship of 240 tons bur- 
then, called the Beaver, sailed from Nantucket, on a 
whaling voyage, in the Pacific ocean, in the year 1791. 

" The whole cost of said sliip, fitted for the voyage, 
together with the cargo, amounted to $'10,212. 

" She carried 17 men, and manned 3 boats of 5 men 
each, which left 2 men, called ship-keepers, on board the 
ship, when the boats were out in pursuit of whales. 

" The principal part of her cargo, when fitted for sea, 
consisted of 400 bbls. iron hooped casks, (the remainder, 
about 1,400 bbls. were wooden hooped,) 40 bbls. salt 
provison,3^ tons of bread, 30 bushels of beans and peas, 
1,000 lbs. rice, 40 gallons molasses, 24 bbls. flour. 

" All the additional provisions during the voyage were 
200 lbs. bread. 

'' The ship was out 17 months, and was the first belong- 
ing to the island, that returned from the Pacific Ocean. 

" Her returned cargo was 650 bbls. sperm oil, worth 
£30 per ton, 370 bbls. head matter, worth £60 per ton, 
and 250 bbls. whale oil, worth £15 per ton. 

" The ship was not co])pered. There were four other 
ships, belonging to Nantucket, whaling on the same coast, 
that season." 

The different branches of business appertaining to whal- 
ing were now carried on briskly ; there was employment 
for all who were disposed to labor, the vessels generally 
arrived with good voyages, the markets were tolerably 
good for the sale of oil and candles, a cheerful smile was 
seen on every countenance. This might justly be termed 
the golden age of Nantucket. It was a season of pros- 
perity which ouglit to be remembered with gratitude to 
the Giver of all good. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 143 

About this time a number of new ships, and other ves- 
sels, were added to the fleet, and many houses, candle- 
factories, and other buildings, were erected. Considering 
the shortness of the time since the close of the war, and 
comparing the appearance which the town, and every 
thing pertaining thereto, and the people themselves made, 
at that time, with the present circumstances of the place, 
the contrast was, beyond description, pleasing and encour- 
aging. The people, at times, almost forgot the state 
of humility, which they had once experienced. 

It has often been remarked that seasons of adversity 
follow close upon the heels of prosperity, and frequently 
at times when least expected. It has already been men- 
tioned, that the French revolution in 1792 disappointed 
the expectations, entertained by oil-dealers, that France 
would become a good market for oil. The efl^ect of this 
stoppage in the sale of oil was not anticipated in season 
to prevent serious losses. All the foreign markets were 
glutted v/ith oil, v/hen the price suddenly fell below what 
it could be obtained for at Nantucket ; which was very 
discouraging, and caused the business to go on heavily, 
although the vessels generally obtained full cargoes of oil. 

The people had been so long engaged in whaling, that 
ihey could not put their shipping into other business 
without loss. Another circumstance, and not the least, 
operated much against the interests of Nantucket. This 
was the increased price of provisions and every other arti- 
cle necessary for the outfits of vessels engaged in the ser- 
vice. The owners of the shipping found that they should 
suffer a great loss by keeping their vessels at home ; they 
therefore concluded to send them out, with these gloomy 
prospects, hoping that time would bring about a change 



144 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

to tlieir advantage: but they were disappointed, for the 
business continued to grow worse, and new difficuhies 
presented tliemselves. 

It was hard for this country to keep witliin the hmits 
of strict neutrality, in the war between France and Eng- 
land. Many, for the sake of good profit, violated the 
law, which created a suspicion with the belligerents of 
Europe, that the Americans were furnishing each other's 
enemies unwarrantably. These circumstances caused 
the rate of insurance to be increased, which, combined 
with what has before been mentioned, produced a stagna- 
tion in the whaling business. Many sold their vessels for 
what they would bring, while others, hoping better things, 
laid their's up and unrigged them. Some who had pros- 
pered better than their neighbors, and made a hitle profit 
in the business, were confident of final success, notwith- 
standing these accumulated embarrassments ; they con- 
tinued, therefore, to fit out their vessels. Of these some 
did well, but others suffered losses, and were under the 
necessity of relinquishing the business. 

Notwithstanding the various vicissitudes of fortune, and 
the discouraging prospects which often presented to view, 
yet the wealth of the inhabitants was rather increasing, 
which led the enterprising genius to contemplate projects 
to acquire an increase of property ; one of which, and not 
the least, was to establish a bank. Tiiis subject had long 
been in contemplation with a small number of commercial 
characters, but, being a novel undertaking for the people 
of Nantucket, many revolted at the idea, from an appre- 
hension that there would not be business to warrant the 
undertaking. Others, Vv'ho were advocates for the scheme, 
urged the public utility which would probably result from 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 145 

its establishment ; that it would increase the business of 
the place, and enable those of small capitals to execute 
their business with more despatch and a greater profit. 
It was many months that the subject was in contemplation, 
before an attempt was made to carry it into effect. How- 
ever, in the year 1795, the people having become pretty 
well reconciled, a charter was obtained, and the business of 
the bank commenced, with perhaps as great a degree of 
cheerfulness as is common in similar cases. But how was 
the scene changed, in a very short time after its commence- 
ment in business, when it was announced to the public 
that the bank had been robbed of twenty thousand dollars. 
What could be more sudden, or what event could happen 
that would give a greater shock to the community in so 
trifling a loss. The people were not in the least suspi- 
cious of the act, consequently they were not prepared to 
receive the information. The event could not but excite 
the greatest anxiety on the public mind that could be im- 
agined ; it caused them to leave their business, and throng 
the streets for many days. 

The loss of the money was not a consideration, com- 
pared with the vindictive spirit which the robbery after- 
wards occasioned. The effects on the community at 
large were solemn. Many, who were not immediately 
concerned, had to deplore the unhappy state in which 
their friends and neighbors were involved, and out of the 
reach of a mediator. 

To give a minute account of the transactions growing 
out of this affair, is not our intention or wish. The in- 
habitants of Nantucket, and all others acquainted with 
the circumstances, will appreciate our reasons for passing 
it over thus briefly. 

JO 



146 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

This year, 1795, the name of the town was changed. 
It had hitherto been called Sherburne, agreeably with the 
patent of Francis Lovelace, governor of New York, in 
1673. This name, being attended with some inconven- 
ience, was now changed for that of Nantucket. 

It is generally conceded, that the people of Nantucket 
possess as great a share of enterprising genius as those of 
any other place in the union ; but the business they follow, 
and principally depend upon for a subsistence, requires 
their steady and persevering application. They have often 
experienced, that a small deviation therefrom has resulted 
in loss, and sometimes in serious embarrassments. Al- 
though it may appear to strangers v»'ho visit them, that 
the business they follow is very lucrative, from a consid- 
eration of the number of ships in port and the bustle of 
fitting them out, still the voyages yield but small profits ; 
for very few persons, even of the most fortunate, have 
obtained any considerable fortunes by the whale fishery.. 
Industry, and steady habits, and frugality, rather than 
great gains, have made the place what it is. All are 
remotely or imm^ediately interested in the success of the 
business ; and there are few, whose income is not increased 
or diminished just in proportion to the hi^h or low price of 
oil. In times of peace the property of the island has on 
the whole gradually increased. But in war all business- 
is at a stand ; the circle of dependencies is broken, the 
merchant, the sailor, the mechanic, are each thrown on 
his own resources, and driven often to seek his living in 
occupations, for which he is qualified neither by education 
nor inclination. We have but faintly delineated the em- 
barrassments and sufferings of the inhabitants during the 
revolutionary struggle ; but the picture, though imperfectly 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 147 

drawn, exhibits their situation clearly enough to convince 
the reader, that, under the most favorable aspects, war is 
to them the most terrible event that can occur. If im- 
prisonment and its attendant pestilences, to which in war 
many of her sailors must be exposed ; if want, in all its 
forms, in which most of her residents must be involved ; if 
dependence on the mercies of an assailing enemy, from 
which none can be exempt, — if these do not give force to 
her voice when she solicits peace, then may Nantucket 
indeed despair of success, and her sons hold in light 
esteem a government, which they have done so much 
to enrich ; and its independence purchased at a price, 
which millions cannot repay. Others may discover ad- 
vantages in war, and necessity for it ; but we can see 
nothing but madness in an act, which, to avoid one evil, 
dehberately and knowingly incurs another a thousand 
fold greater. 

In 1796, the business of the place was at a low ebb. 
Many expedients were resorted to, aside from whaling, 
some of which were advantageous to those who engaged 
in them. But, in general, those who departed from the 
beaten track of their ancestors encountered great difficul- 
ties. Many of the most able seamen sailed from other 
places in the merchant service, some of whom did well, 
and acquired handsome estates ; while others met with 
hard fortune, and got along but indifferently. 

One ship was sent out on a voyage to the East Indies, 
the owners of which, not being acquainted with the 
advantages to be taken in that trade, did not succeed to 
their wishes. The cargo consisted of whale oil, sperm 
candles, Madeira wine, hard soap, and Spanish dollars. 
If that part of the cargo, which was the produce of the 



148 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

business of Nantucket, had been exchanged for com- 
modities more suited for that market, or converted into 
specie, it is probable, that the voyage would have resulted 
in a good profit. This voyage, however, was not without 
its advantages, for it was a means of obtaining knowledge 
iiighly necessary for that trade, which was afterwards 
acted on by some of the same owners with considerable 
advantage. 

The year 1797 was ushered in by a natural phenom- 
enon rendered very terrific by some circumstances with 
which it was attended. The evening preceding the 1st 
of the 1st month was uncommonly pleasant. There was 
not a cloud to be seen. Not long after midnight, the 
inhabitants were instantly aroused from sleep by one of the 
heaviest peals of thunder ever heard, attended with vivid 
hghtning and an uncommon shower of hail. The whole 
town was immediately lighted up, as if by a general con- 
flagration. Some thought, that the town was in flames, 
even the very houses they were in ; others thought, that 
the dissolution of all things had commenced. But the 
consternation subsided, when it was discovered, that the 
fire proceeded from two barns in the outskirts of the town. 
The people immediately repaired to the fire, but too 
late to save the cattle or any other contents of the build- 
ings ; they could only remain spectators of the devouring 
element. 

In 1798, in addition to the discouragements in business 
heretofore stated, there was great apprehension of war 
between the United States and France. War was, at 
this time, particularly dreaded, for the shipping was mostly 
out on long voyages, some of which were not expected 
to terminate in less time than twelve or eighteen months. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 149 

Many of the adventurers had their whole property afloat. 
Accounts were received almost daily of spoliations on 
American vessels, and the government was on the point 
of commencing hostilities. But it is not our purpose to 
enter into the merits of the controversy between the two 
nations. The commotions naturally attending the inci- 
dents above recited brought their evils to the people of 
Nantucket. The price of provisions was raised, and the 
rates of insurance increased in a short time to twenty per 
cent. ; which must have subjected ship-owners to loss, 
according to the price of oil at that time, even if their 
ships had arrived with full cargoes. Four Nantucket 
ships were captured during the existence of those difficul- 
ties. This was sufficient to fill the minds of the people 
with dismay, for they were almost ready to conclude, that 
a war had already taken place, without a declaration to 
that effect. There were, however, no other ships cap- 
tured belonging to the place, and the people again resum- 
ed their business of fitting out, although it was with very 
dull prospects. Some of the ship-owners being quite 
discouraged, sold their shipping, and turned their attention 
to other objects for a subsistence, which, though perhaps 
less lucrative, yielded a greater share of satisfaction. The 
discouragements continued in a greater or less degree for 
a number of years, which necessarily caused many of our 
best seamen to leave the island in pursuit of business 
from other seaports. Many talked of removing into the 
country, and some did so. 

In 1799, the people were somewhat alarmed for the 
safety of their ships round Cape Horn. They had long 
been apprehensive, that the Spaniard did not feel friendly 
to the whale ships in the south seas, and were now con- 



150 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

firmed in their fears by the detention of several ships at 
St. Marys. Later accounts, however, gave information 
of their hberation in a few days without damage. 

In 1800, on the tenth of the fourth month, a number 
of whales were seen on the north side of the island, from 
one to three leagues distant from the land. Several boats 
were immediately sent in pursuit of them, and, on coming 
up with them, commenced an attack with that spirit and 
activity which is ever drawn out on such occasions, A 
great number of spectators on shore were pointing their 
glasses towards the scene of action, to view the operations 
of their townsmen, who were now engag^ed in the con- 
flict. At length they had the gratification of seeing two 
of the monsters of the deep yield to the dexterity of their 
pursuers. In the course of the day, the whales which 
had been killed were towed into the harbor and brought 
to the wharf. The people were familiar with every cir- 
cumstance relative to whaling, but many had never beheld 
the animal of whose prodigious size they had heard so 
much. To exhibit one of the whales to the best advan- 
tage, it was drawn upon the wharf, where thousands of 
people during the day had an opportunity of beholding; 
what had hitherto been to them only the theme of their 
songs or of their fireside, and which is so beautifully 
.tho^ffh simply described by one of their own poets, who 
il^ himself wielded the harpoon and lance. 

I '• Thou didst, O Lord, create the mighty whale, 
That wondrous monster of a mighty length ; 
Vast is his head and body, vast his tail, 

Beyond conception his unmeasured strength. 

When he the surface of the sea hath broke, 
Arising from the dark abyss below, 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 151 

His breath appears a lofty stream of smoke, 

The circling waves, like glittering banks of snow." 

The larger of the above-mentioned whales produced 
thirty-one, and the other, sixteen barrels. Only nine 
days afterwards, another whale was brought into the 
harbor, which produced thirty barrels of oil. We find 
no instances of the kind in any former period of our 
history. 

An academy was incorporated in 1800, and a building 
erected for the school, on what is called Academy Hill. 
The same year a bell, weighing one thousand pounds, was 
placed in the steeple of the north congregational meeting- 
house. 

The number of inhabitants on the island, at this time, 
was 5617. 

Some of the difficulties, heretofore stated, as attending 
the whaling business, had now, in some degree, been re- 
moved, still it was attended with some embarrassments. 
The high price of provisions, which is one of the princi- 
pal articles in the outfits of the ships, and the advanced 
prices of most things necessary to their equipments, pre- 
vented any increase of the shipping at present. 



( 152) 



CHAPTER VIII. 

We have already stated, that a bar extends across the 
mouth of Nantucket harbor. This bar has ever been a 
great hindrance to the passing of large vessels in and 
out* Much expense yearly accrues from the necessity 
of employing lighters for all vessels drawing a consider- 
able draft of water, and in some instances losses and even 
shipwrecks have occurred in attempts to pass the bar with 
vessels, after all precautions have been used to make them 
as light as possible. It has been the opinion of some, 
that the employment given to the large number of men, 
necessarily engaged in getting large vessels in and out of 
the harbor, more than counterbalances the disadvantages 
above stated. This consideration, however, has not de- 
terred the most enterprising citizens from devising various 
methods, from time to time, of deepening the channel 
across this bar. But no plan had ever been devised, 
which seemed sufficiently practicable to warrant public 
action upon it, till the year 1803. A proposition was 
then made, at a town meeting, to petition congress to 
assist Nantucket, in any way which might be deemed 
expedient, in digging a channel from Brant Point to the 
outer part of the outer bar. The subject underwent a 
long discussion : many were opposed to it, from an appre- 
hension that government would not grant the request; 
but a committee was at length appointed to bear a peti- 
tion to congress, and to use their endeavors to carry it 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 153 

into effect. The committee, on their return, reported, 
that congress had so far attended to the request, as to 
authorize the appointment of suitable persons to survey 
the harbor and bar, at the expense of the government, 
and to estimate the probable expense of the undertaking. 
This report was very flattering and satisfactory to the 
people in general, and a committee of five was chosen to 
wait on the surveyors, when they should arrive at the 
island, and to act as necessity should require in carrying 
the whole subject into effect. A larger committee was 
also chosen to assist by advice or otherwise in forwarding 
the important work. 

Many were now so elated with the prospect of effect- 
ing the desirable object, that their views extended from 
digging a channel to building stone piers from the points 
of Coetue and Brant Point in a northerly direction to the 
outer bar, or as far as should be found expedient to 
accomplish the end in view. This plan, differing so 
much from the'one first proposed, met with great opposi- 
tion. The subject became the common topic of con- 
versation. The people, generally, opposed every plan 
but the original one, that of digging a channel, from the 
conviction that piers would be the means of obstructing 
the navigation, by causing new shoals, and that, being 
built of stone, they would endanger passing vessels, espe- 
cially in the night. 

In the summer of the same year, the surveyors arrived 
and very diligently attended to the business of their 
appointment. The committee of the town faithfully 
waited on them till the survey was completed. They 
had been led, by observation, to believe that stone piers 
would be injurious to the harbor, but they proposed that 



154 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. i 

piles should be driven down, eight or ten feet apart, and 
tlie spaces filled with plank, by which means they sup- 
posed, that the velocity of the tides would be increased, 
and the channel by that means deepened without much 
dio^ojinp^. 

The town was again convened for the purpose of 
hearing the report of the committee, who stated that the 
surveyors were of the opinion, that it w^ould be expedient 
to build wooden piers ; one extending from the north- 
west point of Coetue to the south west corner of the 
black flats ; the other to begin about one third of the 
distance from the end of Brant Point to the cliff, and 
to extend to the north-east corner of Cliff Shoal ; both 
upon straight lines. A long debate then ensued, when 
it appeared that the general voice was against having 
piers of any kind, from the apprehension that they would 
cause new shoals, and thus obstruct the entrance of large 
vessels into the harbor. No objection, however, was 
urged against digging a channel, and a committee was 
appointed with instructions to use their best endeavors to 
have the original plan of deepening the water by digging 
carried into effect. But when congress next met, the 
proposition was rejected, and thus the whole matter ended. 

The price of oil of late had considerably increased, 
which animated the people and gave new life to the 
whaling business. This rise was principally occasioned 
by the following causes. First ; many ships had been 
sold out of the service, or hauled up by reason of the 
depression of the times, as heretofore stated ; which 
reduced the importations of oil below the demands of 
the market. Secondly ; the consumption of oil and 
sperm candles was fast increasing in this country, for 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 155 

experience bad plainly shown that they were, on many 
accounts, far preferable to tallow. People needed only 
to use sperm candles, and sperm oil, to be convinced that 
they are less expensive than tallow, and that they give a 
better light.. The first cost of sperm candles is indeed 
greater than that of tallow, but the difference in the price 
of the two kinds is more than counterbalanced by the 
quantity of light produced from the former. Sperm 
candles are clean, they emit no disagreeable smell, and, 
very little smoke. As these circumstances became more 
and more known, the demand for oil and sperm candles 
increased at every seaport on the continent. Fresh 
encouragement was consequently given to the whaling 
business, and new adventurers engaged in it. Notwith- 
standing the high price of provisions, the number of ships 
increased, and the voyages were generally advantageous 
to the owners. 

The reader will probably have noticed, in the course 
of this history, that small depressions in the times' have 
had a material effect on the minds of the people of Nan- 
tucket : that from causes apparently temporary and un- 
important, they have been discouraged and almost ready 
to leave the island, supposing that the whaling business 
" is done," an expression sometimes used on these occa- 
sions. This may be accounted for by the consideration, 
that the business in general affords small profits, and that 
a small change to its disadvantage is in consequence 
immediately and keenly felt. On the other hand, a few 
years of good fortune animates the people, and encourages 
them to take increased risks. This was the case at the time 
of which we were last speaking. The ships have generally, 
for the last few years, brought in good voyages. Oil met 



156 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

with a ready sale at prices, which kept every branch of 
the business in active operation. 

In the year 1804, the Pacific Bank and two insurance 
ofiices were established. 

In 1805, a new jail was built. 

Forty-eight ships at this time belonged to Nantucket, 
not one of which was in port ; a similar instance never 
before occurred. 

Some fears had long been entertained, that the Span- 
iards of South America would commit depredations on the 
whale ships. Threats to this effect had frequently been 
made, and some ships had actually been detained in 
Spanish ports to the great detriment of their voyages. 
A war was much talked of, and expected by many be- 
tween our government and that of Spain. The detention 
of the ships, added to the difficulties apprehended be- 
tween the two nations, enhanced the rates of insurance, 
by which the profits of the business were proportionably 
lessened. Soon after this, however, some arrivals dissi- 
pated the fears of the inhabitants in some degree, since 
no very serious difficulty with the Spaniards had occurred. 

Altliough the independence of the United States had 
long been acknowledged by Great Britain, still, a restless, 
overbearing disposition had almost uniformly been mani- 
fested towards this country by the Biitlsh government, 
ever since the revolutionary war. The depredations on 
our commerce, the impressment of our seamen, and their 
forcible detention in the British service, form a part of 
our national history too familiar to our readers to need a 
repetition by us. It is sufficient to say, that the embar- 
rassed affairs of the nation, and uncertain duration of 
peace, had a serious effect on the people of Nantucket. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 157 

The price of provisions, and, indeed, of every article of 
necessity, was kept very high ; the rate of insurance was 
also considerably enhanced. Fortunately, not a single 
whaling ship, belonging to Nantucket, was taken and 
carried into port. 

The quantity of oil imported into the country in 1806, 
and during the previous year, was considerably greater 
than the consumption. The price was at times merely 
nominal, and large quantities remained on hand for a long 
time. This period of our history may be considered a 
time of plenty. Many buildings were erected within a 
few past years, among which was a banking-house for 
the Nantucket Bank. Every branch of business was 
conducted with propriety, and produced a good profit: 
every class of people appeared satisfied with their lot, 
from the common laborer who could earn one dollar and 
twenty-five cents a day, to the most wealthy merchant. 

Although during a number of past years the business 
at Nantucket frequently assumed a gloomy aspect, in 
consequence of the commotions of the belligerents in Eu- 
rope, yet, at this time, a tide of success had lulled the 
people into a state of- security ; so that arrangements 
were now made to engage more extensively in the whale 
fishery. But, alas ! how short-sighted is man ! How 
liable to disappointment, even amid the best prospects of 
success. On the 2:2d of the 6th month 1807, the 
British ship of war Leopard fired into the United States 
ship Chesapeake. The annunciation of this event, 
which seemed but a precursor of approaching war, cast 
a gloom over the prospects of Nantucket deeper and more 
heartfelt than had been caused by any occurrence since 
the revolutionary war. The embargo, which soon fol- 



158 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

lowed, had the effect of keeping down the price of oil 
and candles, by preventing the exportation of these arti- 
cles from the country. But as the act did not embrace 
whaling and fishing vessels, a considerable number of 
owners concluded to send out their ships, although the 
probability of success was not equal to the risk incurred. 
The vessels were lying at the wharves, fitted or fitting for 
sea ; and many articles of outfits, some of them perishable, 
were on hand. There was good reason to suppose, that 
but a small fleet would be put to sea under existing 
political affairs, and that the few vessels which might 
venture out would make profitable returns, if they should 
be so fortunate as to escape capture. It was, how- 
ever, found that no insurance could be made either on the 
island or abroad ; and the owners, unwilling to incur the 
hazard of total loss, abandoned their enterprise, stripped 
their ships, and hauled them up. Employment for labor- 
ing men nearly ceased, and mariners belonging to Nan- 
tucket, who had been sailing from other ports, were 
returning home destitute of business. In the year 1809 
the prospect seemed more flattering than heretofore, that 
the storm which had so long raged in Europe would 
subside ; and owners were prompted to send out their 
ships, trusting to their return before the jarring elements 
of war should disturb our own country. This year many 
families, wearied with the vicissitudes almost daily experi- 
enced, removed to different parts of the country. The 
streets of the town were thronged with laboring poor, 
already so reduced as to be quite at a loss to know whence 
articles of the first necessity were to be obtained ; some 
were quite destitute of the means of subsistence. 

The anxiety, constantly manifested by the people for 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 159 

the welfare of ^the absent ships, increased towards the 
close of the year. Our government was preparing for 
either event, of war or peace. In this state of suspense, 
although a large part of the business capital of the island 
was at sea, six or eight ships were, in 1810, fitted out for 
the Pacific Ocean. None ever sailed under more dis- 
couraging circumstances. In the tenth month of this 
year, every ship belonging to the port was at sea, some 
in pursuit of right-whales, but the greater part in the 
Pacific Ocean. 

In the year 1810, when the enumeration of the inhe^b- 
itants was taken, the whole number was 6807, among 
whom were 210 over 70 years of age. The number of 
widows was 379, of fatherless children 474. There 
were found about 4000 who had not received either the 
small or kinepock, it was also at the same time found 
that there were about 1322 families and 2055 ratable 
polls ; dwelling-houses 937, all other buildings 872 ; 
horses 332, oxen 15, cows 505, swine 355, sheep about 
10,000. 

In 1811, the probability of war increased. The events 
of the revolution were familiar to the recollections of many 
of the inhabitants. The loss of a large number of the 
young men of the island during that struggle, either in 
the seivice of the country, by accidents at sea, or by 
suffering on board prison-ships, and in other places of 
confinement, was yet deeply felt. Every new omen of 
war seemed to threaten a renewal of similar sufFerino-s 
and distress. Owners, however, continued to fit out their 
ships, and men were \Mlling to go in them, for no other 
business presented. Commerce, generally, was so em- 
barrassed, that the young men could find no employment 



160 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

in other places ; they therefore preferred meeting the 
chances of war in the whahng service to remaining idle 
at home. The ships were sent out with nearly {he same 
freedom as if no war was anticipated, but with very dif- 
ferent prospects. Insurance offices, in the early part of 
the year, refused to take any risks ; but before its close, 
owing to some little change in the aspect of affairs, they 
offered to insure at twenty per cent. Even at this rate 
they declined taking large amounts. So great a premium 
was considered by owners disproportionate to the risk, 
and but little was insured. The rate of insurance soon 
after fell to fifteen per cent., and insurance was effected 
on large amounts. 

Many of the inhabitants now began to turn their 
thoughts towards the country. Some families had already 
removed, and many others were making preparation to 
follow them. It was anticipated, that, if war should take 
place, the value of real estate would be immediately re- 
duced, particularly houses. Before the year closed, sixty 
dwelling-houses were offered for sale, the owners of which 
intended to go into the country. The thoughts of those 
who proposed to remove were, in general, turned towards 
Ohio, attracted by the flattering accounts received from 
that state of the salubrity of its climate and the luxuriance 
of its soil. 

In 1812, the infringements of the English on our 
rights still continued, and our government appeared to be 
making preparation for war. Although it was generally 
believed, that, without an alteration on the part of Great 
Britain, war would ensue, yet the people of Nantucket 
cherished the belief, that the Orders in Council, which 
had so long constituted the greater part of the contention 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 161 

between the two governments, would be revoked. Under 
this impression, many fitted out' their ships. About the 
4th month, our government laid an embargo, to be of three 
months continuance. This measure was an almost sure 
presage of war, being designed to give an opportunity for 
the shipping to arrive before that event, and to prevent 
vessels in port from venturing out, and thereby falling 
into the hands of the enemy. Had the first embargo 
act extended to whaling vessels, much of the property of 
the island would have been saved. But now few of the 
owners of the ships belonging to Nantucket could avail 
themselves of any advantage of the warning of our 
government, for their property was mostly on the ocean, 
with prospects that little would return in less time than 
two years. 

As the political affairs of the nation drew nearer to a 
crisis, the scenes of the revolution became more vivid 
in the recollections of the people ; and caused them to 
deplore the situation of the inhabitants and their property. 
A town meeting was held for the purpose of taking into 
consideration the expediency of sending a memorial to 
Congress, giving a true statement of their situation and 
circumstances. That the reader may fully conceive the 
feelings which then prevailed, we insert the memorial 
at large. 

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives 
of the United States of America, in Congress assem- 
bled, the memorial of the inhabitants of Nantucket 
respectfully showeth : 

That from a conviction of their rights to assemble and 
deliberate in a peaceful manner, they have this day con- 
11 



162 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

vened in legal town meeting, to consider the serious and 
alarming situation, in which the politics of the nation 
seem to be placed. They are aware of the legal and 
exalted situation in which you are placed by the people, 
and believe you are constantly disposed to alleviate every 
section of the Union. It is under that impression, that 
they now address you ; as they are persuaded their situa- 
tion is not fully known to many of you, they take the 
liberty of a retrospective view. 

In the year 1775, they were in possession of 150 sail 
of vessels, which were employed in the whale fishery, 
they had also several more employed as coasters, and in 
the merchant service ; when the revolutionary war com- 
menced, the greater part of the seamen were compelled 
to leave their heretofore peaceful occupations, and engage 
in a kind of employ not suited to their former habits, in 
consequence of which a great number of valuable and 
enterprising men were brought to an untimely end, and 
hundreds of widows, with many fatherless children, 
were left with only a precarious dependence on surviving 
friends. 

Your memorialists would also further observe, that, in 
addition to the common calamities of marhime war, their 
harbor was frequently visited by ravaging enemies, whose 
insatiable thirst for plunder and devastation left but little 
for the subsistence of the inhabitants, and eventually the 
once flourishing town of Nantucket was left resembling 
an abandoned village. 

After the blessings of peace were restored, the spirit 
of enterprise again displayed its feeble but pleasing coun- 
tenance, and the progressing industry and perseverance 
of the citizens has in a degree surmounted the evils of 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 163 

war, as a general state of comfort Is prevailing, while 
some are above necessity and others are opulent. There- 
fore after viewing things as they actually are, and consid- 
ering that Nantucket is an island that may be Invaded at 
any point, and its situation without, or beyond, a pro- 
tecting distance from the continent, your memorialists 
cannot, under these gloomy circumstances, fail to deplore 
the necessity of commencing a foreign war ; and are 
probably Influenced in their feelings from knowing the 
miseries of those, that are so unfortunate as to fall 
within the vortex occasioned by the conflicting powers 
of Europe. 

It is further observable, that seven eighths of the mer- 
cantile capital is now at sea, three fourths of which is 
not expected to return within twelve months from the 
present date. 

To conclude : while your memorialists feel that confi- 
dent assurance, which ought to possess the minds of the 
people towards their rulers, they have no desire to control, 
yet they have no hesitation respectfully to declare their 
belief, that the declaration of a foreign war would be 
desolating to the inhabitants of this island. And it will 
be the constant prayer of your memorialists, that the 
necessity of such a declaration may be averted. 

Isaac Coffin, Moderator, 
James Coffin, Town Cleric. 

Nantucket, 9th, 5th mo. 1812. 

This memorial was read three times, and claimed the 
serious attention of the people ; solemnity pervaded the 
whole meeting in a striking manner. After some perti- 
nent remarks, it was unanimously voted to accept it, and 



164 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

the selectmen were made a committee to forward it to 
congress. 

The apprehension of a war had now become so general., 
that it began to have a material effect on the business of 
the place. Many of the inhabitants still continued to talk 
of removing into the country ; but their property could 
not be sold without a sacrifice, which caused some to 
relinquish their intention, while others carried it into 
effect, and settled in various places. Most kinds of busi- 
ness had become so unsetded, that very little was done. 
All were daily expecting to hear of something decisive 
from the government, that, would fix the fate of Nantucket 
as to peace or war. The rumors, which were continually 
circulated, helped to Increase the general anxiety. This 
state of suspense continued until the 24th of the 6th 
month, when official accounts were received of a declara- 
tion of war by our governm.ent against Great Britain, on 
the 18th of the same month. 

This information, though it had been for some time ex- 
pected, produced inexpressible inquietude of mind. It 
proved the fallacy of the opinion, or rather hope, which 
many of the inhabitants had fondly cherished, that the 
English government would rescind the Orders in Council, 
and thus remove what was considered the principal cause 
of the difference between the two nations. 

There seemed no alternative left for the people, but to 
submit to the calamities which this event would probably 
bring upon them. The reflection on the situation and 
circumstances of the place was appalling. Nearly the 
wliole amount of the trading capital was In the Pacific 
Ocean, the greater part of which was not likely to return 
in less than one year, and some perhaps not in two. This 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 165 

consideration, added to that of the exposed situation of 
the place, led many to devise measures to ward off im- 
pending ruin. 

The fleet of ships at sea more immediately claimed the 
attention of the public, for the welfare of the community 
depended on the whaling interest. Some of the principal 
ship-owners convened for the purpose of taking into con- 
sideration the gloomy aspect that pervaded the commer- 
cial concerns of the place, and to devise, if possible, some 
plan w^hereby the property at sea might be saved from 
capture. After a general discussion of the subject, it was 
concluded to consult with the other ship-owners and 
commercial men on the expediency of adopting some 
measure, through the influence of the British minister, 
Foster, then at Washington, to save the place from the 
calamities of war, and more especially, the ships at sea 
from capture ; by representing, that the people of this 
place were determined to take no active part in the war, 
but to observe a strict neutrality, so far as would be con- 
sistent with the circumstances of the place. The plan 
proposed was, to request the British minister to use his 
influence with his government to rescue from capture the 
whale ships belonging to Nantucket, then in the Pacific, 
and to secure to the inhabitants the privilege of whahng, 
under certain stipulations, during the continuance of the 
war. After some deliberation, the opinion prevailed, 
that the prospect of success was too faint to warrant 
the attempt, and the plan was abandoned. It was the 
opinion of many at that time, and subsequent events have 
strengthened the opinion, that, had the tow^n united in 
the attempt, and done all in its power for the promotion 
of the object, very great adv^antages would have resulted. 



166 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

The fleet at sea might, perhaps, have been saved, and 
the liberty secured to carry on the whale fishing without 
molestation. In support of this opinion we refer to the 
report of the town's committee in a succeeding page. 
That committee was sent to Admiral Cochrane on the 
subject of importing provisions and fuel from the conti- 
nent. They found the Admiral very friendly toward the 
people of Nantucket, and when the subject of whaling 
was mentioned to him, he told the committee, that if they 
would state in writing the wishes of their constituents, 
the document should be forwarded to his government the 
next day by a despatch vessel, where, he had no doubt, it 
would meet with a favorable reception. The kind treat- 
ment of this committee by Admiral Cochrane, and his 
granting their request to bring provisions, &:c., from the 
continent, particularly the liberality of his views in rela- 
tion to whaling, lead us to believe that every reasonable 
indulgence would have been granted, had it been asked, 
in a proper manner, at the commencement of the war. 

Many were apprehensive that the island would soon be 
visited by the British in a hostile manner. Those who 
had property exposed, which admitted of being removed? 
immediately took measures to secure it, by shipping it 
with all possible despatch to some seaport on the conti- 
nent. Many families, whose removal into the country 
had heretofore been prevented by the difficulty of dispos- 
ing of their property, now concluded to leave it unsold ; 
some went to the state of Ohio, others to other places. 

The apprehension of an invasion by the enemy was 
strengthened by a groundless report, that an armament 
was preparing in Halifax for that purpose, which added 
to the confusion and terror already too prevalent. A 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



167 



considerable number of the poorer class were obliged to 
leave the island to seek employment. From the time of 
the first embargo to the present, the business of the place 
had been in so depressed a state, that those, who depended 
for subsistence on their daily labor, were reduced, through 
want of employment, to great distress. Some could not 
subsist without the assistance of their friends. This class 
fat felt the pressure of the times. Many of them removed 
to places, where there appeared a prospect of obtaining 
bread, a large part of whom returned, at the close of the 
war, to the place of their fondest associations and strongest 
attachments, from which nothing but the most pressing 
necessity could have compelled them to remove. 

The immediate eftects of the war were experienced, 
in the. 7th month of this year, 1812, in the capture and 
burning of a whaling schooner, to the northward of the 
Gulf Stream, together with the oil which she had 
obtained. The crew were made prisoners of war. This 
was the first capture of a Nantucket vessel after the 
commencement of hostilities. There were, at this time, 
belonging to the island, 43 ships, 47 sloops, 7 brigs, 19 
schooners ; total, 116 vessels, whose tonnage amounted to 
nearly 11,000 tons. 

It is not our purpose to enter into a detail of all the 
embarrassments and sufferings occasioned by the war; 
but to endeavor to state such particulars as may be useful, 
or interesting to the reader. In a few months after the 
war commenced, many of the inhabitants were reduced to 
great distress. Want of employment, as has already been 
' stated, had before reduced large numbers of the laboring 
class to want ; loss of property, and other circumstances 
was now daily bringing others to poverty. It was difficult 



168 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

to procure flour and corn. British cruisers were so 
numerous on tlie coast, as to render it very hazardous for 
those coasters to pass, which had usually supphed the 
market with bread stuffs. Late in the fall no bread stuff 
could be bought, and little was expected to be brought 
to the island ; and there was less wood than had been 
known for many years. Hundreds of the laboring poor 
might daily be seen in the streets, destitute of the means 
of subsistence, because destitute of employment. 

The scarcity of provisions, the approaching inclement 
season, and the danger of venturing out with vessels, 
claimed the serious attention of every class of the com- 
munity. At length a number of vessels were sent to 
different places westward to bring flour, corn, and other 
necessaries. Some of the freighters were not induced to 
this measure by pecuniary considerations. Their object 
was to secure the inhabitants from sufferino; durinir the 
winter, when it would be impossible to have any commu- 
nication with the continent. 

In the 11th month a load of corn arrived, which was 
much needed. The corn sold for one dollar and twenty- 
five cents a bushel, and the flour for thirteen dollars and 
fifty cents a barrel. Although the price was high, the 
whole cargo was sold very fast : higher prices would have 
been obtained, if demanded. It was truly melancholy 
to see the people thronging and pressing to take their 
turns to be served with articles of food, while many came 
on board the vessel, equally in want, but destitute of the 
means to buy. Such a picture of distress had not been 
displayed since the revolutionary war. Previous to the 
war, not a beggar was to be seen in the streets ; at this 
time many received their daily pittance from the hand of 
charity. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 169 

In this season of distress the banks did not feel them- 
selves safe. The apprehension of a fleet from Halifax 
induced the directors to secure what specie could be 
spared from immediate use, by placing it in some safe 
keepin- on the continent. The public, discovenng their 
fears, immediately called out their deposits in specie, and 
also thronged the doors of the banks with their paper. 
The pressure however was sustained, and all demands 
promptly and satisfactorily answered. 

In addition to the numerous difficulties already experi- 
enced, the easterly part of the town was, in the 12th 
month, attacked by fire. The fire was first discovered in 
one of the lower buildings on the old south wharf. It 
was a favorable circumstance that the wind blew briskly 
from the northward, for there were no buikhngs to 
leeward. But notwithstanding this, and the most active 
exertions of the inhabitants, eight buildings were con- 
sumed. The loss was estimated at $6000. 

The winter did not commence with that gloom which 
had been anticipated. Tlie means of procuring provisions 
had so far succeeded, as to remove the danger of famine. 
The poverty, and the number of the poorer class, 
however, rapidly increased. 

Some of the homeward-bound whale ships were cap- 
tured by the enemy, yet a few arrived safely, which 
materially benefited a large number of every class of 
citizens. For the nature of the business is such, that the 
loss of a single ship injures many, and many are benefited 
by the safe arrival of one. 

A number of the citizens, feeling the distress of war 
increasing upon them, and considering that they had a 
ricrht to address the chief magistrate of the nation in a 



170 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

respectful manner, in their individual capacity, addressed 
the following petition to the president, representing some 
of the embarrassments with which they were surrounded. 

Nantucket, November 21st, 1812. 
James Madison, Esq. President of the United States. 

Sir, — The republican citizens of Nantucket are con- 
scious, that, wdien the government find it expedient for 
the support of our national sovereignty and independence 
to declare war, the people must expect to submit to 
burdens and privations they are not accustomed to in time 
of peace; but the pecuhar situation of Nantucket has 
induced us to address you. 

. The island in its detached situation, being beyond the 
reach of protection from the continent, is exposed to the 
ravages of an enemy. 

The island, contains a population of nearly seven 
thousand inhabitants, many of whom were employed in 
the various mechanic arts, and other employments, pe- 
culiarly applicable to the whale fishery, who, since the 
declaration of war, have been without employ, and 
thereby reduced to indigent circumstances. 

Experience has taught, that the Vv'hale fishery, for 
which this place has ever been famed, cannot be prose- 
cuted, while it is exposed to the ravages of war ; and 
should it continue, we fear it will, in a great degree, be 
lost; it has been considered of such national consequence, 
as to induce both England and France to offer great 
encouragements to the citizens of this place, to remove 
and establish it within their dominions. 

We are aware that the constitution of the United 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 171 

States expressly provides, that no preference shall be 
given to one state over the others ; at the same time we 
are fully sensible, that, when a resort to arms is considered 
unavoidable, our government will afford that consistent 
relief to such parts of the community, as are deprived of 
the means of subsistence by a continuation of the war. 
Such appears to be the situation we are approaching, as 
most of the trading capital of the island is now in the 
Southern Ocean, some of which will not be on its return, 
within one year from the present date ; and if the war 
continues, we fully believe the greater part, if not the 
whole, will fall an easy prey to the enemy. 

As we are thus situated, and deprived by nature from 
obtaining a subsistence on the island, it seems we have 
no choice, but that of respectfully soliciting your attention 
and that of our government, to our alarming condition ; 
requesting also liberty to ask, if in your wisdom any 
means can be devised to save our fleet of whale ships 
now in the Southern Ocean, and if any method can be 
adopted, whereby we may prosecute the cod and whale 
fisheries -without the risk of capture by the enemy. 

We also beg leave to ask, if any stipulation can con- 
sistently be effected with Great Britain, whereby the cod 
and whale fisheries of both nations may be exempted 
from the ravages of war. 

In behalf of the republican citizens of Nantucket, we 
have the honor to be with the greatest respect, sir, your 
obedient servants. 

Signed by a committee and forwarded. 

In 1813 the American coast became so infested with 
British ships of war and privateers, that it was dangerous 



172 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

to go to any port on the continent. The supply of 
provisions and fuel was thus rendered very precarious. 
The distress of the people still increased : driven from 
their usual avocations, they were compelled to seek 
employment of any kind that would administer to their 
daily wants. Some engaged in fishing round the island ; 
a greater number turned their attention to farming. The 
prospects of this latter class were not very encouraging : 
many of them owned neither land nor implements. They 
were obliged to take leases of land for two years, and 
give the owner a certain proportion of the produce. 
There was little left to them, after paying the rent and 
other expenses incident to the business. They labored 
hard for a poor living, with no encouraging prospect, but 
that of a speedy peace. Others of a younger class 
followed the sea from other ports. Removals from the 
island still continued, some to avoid present distress, 
others with a view to permanency. 



CHAPTER IX. 



The subject of inoculating for the kine-pock early en- 
gaged the attention of the people of Nantucket. In the 
year 1810, it was ascertained, by request of the health 
committee, that about four thousand had not been inocu- 
lated for either the small or kine-pock. At that time it was 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 173 

contemplated to have a general vaccination, but the 
measure was not very spiritedly taken up, and finally 
failed of being carried into effect. In 1813 Benjamin 
Hussey, a native of Naniucket, arrived from Europe. 
He had been absent from the island about twenty-six 
years, the last ten of which he resided principally in 
France, where he introduced vaccine inoculation. He 
inoculated, in the city of Dunkirk and parts adjacent, 
upwards of seven thousand, for which services he received 
no pecuniary remuneration. His benevolence, however, 
gained for him high encomiums from the French govern- 
ment. The experience which he had acquired in the 
art, and the success which had attended his practice, 
encouraged a few individuals to request him to undertake 
a general inoculation at Nantucket, on the condition of 
receiving a reasonable compensation from the town for 
his services. After some deliberation he assented to the 
proposition, and named the sum of three hundred dollars 
as the amount which would satisfy him for his labor. A 
town-meeting was immediately held for the purpose of 
taking the subject into consideration, at which the advan- 
tages of the proposition were set forth, and some docu- 
ments read, to show the propriety of accepting the 
services offered, on the terms proposed. A large number, 
however, opposed the measure ; and a majority finally 
decided not to improve this opportunity, to introduce a 
general inoculation. Notwithstanding this unexpected 
result, he proceeded to the vaccination of all who called 
on him for that purpose ; and, before he left the island, 
nearly a thousand had availed themselves of his services, 
for which he received no compensation, except in small 
presents from a few individuals. 



174 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

The flisastrous effects of the war now daily increased. 
By ahnost every arrival, accounts were brought of the 
capture of some vessels belonging to Nantucket. Many 
of the whale ships were already taken, and it appeared 
very probable that a greater part of the remainder would 
fall into the hands of the enemy. The coast was so 
infested with British cruisers, that it had become hazard- 
ous to go out of the harbor. Some of the small craft 
which were bringing provisions, fuel, and other supplies, 
were captured. Among the vessels taken in the Sound 
was the beautiful packet sloop which transported the 
mail between Nantucket and Falmouth. The captors 
plundered and pillaged as many of the letters, he. as 
they chose ; the rest, with the passengers, were landed at 
Falmouth, and the vessel sent to New London, where a 
squadron of the British lay. 

The fishing and whaling vessels on the shoals, to 
the eastward of the island, had hitherto been preserved. 
Humpbacks, (a species of the right-whale,) and cod fish 
were plenty, which gave encouragement to many, who 
would otherwise have been idle, to engage in the pursuit of 
them. But unfortunately a privateer came among the 
fleet, and took several vessels, one of which belonged to 
Nantucket. Others were fired on, but made their escape. 
The vessel taken belonging to Nantucket, was sent to St. 
Johns, but it was supposed that she foundered at sea, for 
she was never heard of afterwards. 

A great proportion of the people had now become so 
reduced, that small disappointments caused dismay. The 
seamen, who had been taken, were coming home destitute 
of property. Many of them had families looking to them 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 175 

for support. On the approach of winter, many were 
destitute of tlie necessaries of life, and of the means of 
earning any thing. Although some had removed with 
their families to seek business elsewhere, there were still a 
great number remaining, in indigent circumstances. The 
greater part of those, who had heretofore hired their labor 
done, were obliged to retrench tlieir expenses, and to do 
their own work. In these discouraging circumstances, 
the town was noticed by government that a direct tax 
of ^5000 would be levied upon them. Although the 
sum was not large, and would not have been injuriously 
felt, if the island had been in a flourishing condition, yet 
at this time, when the people were suffering under 
accumulatinii: evils, the call broutrht a ploom over the 
whole community. Taxes are generally proportioned to 
the means of paying them. But in this case those, 
wdiose only property consisted in a poor tenement, were 
subjected to pay, while those, who were opulent and yet 
possessed no real estate, w^ere exempted. It was, besides, 
a source of much, and perhaps just complaint, that 
Nantucket, s'tuated beyond the protecting power of 
government, should still be subjected to contribute to- 
wards the general expense. These considerations claimed 
the serious attention of the inhabitants, and various 
expedients were suggested to obviate the pending em- 
barrassments. At length the expediency was suggested 
of petitioning congress to mitigate the tax, suspend its 
collection, or otherwise to grant some relief to the present 
distress. A town-meeting was accordingly held on the 
26th of the 11th month, at which it was unanimously 
voted to send a petition, and a person was appointed to 
bear it. The following is a copy of the petition. 



176 HISTORY OF NANTLX'KET. 



To the Honorable the Senate and House of Represen- 
tatives of the United States in Congress assembled^ 
the Petition of the Town and County of Nantucket 
respectfully showeth : — 

That the unavoidable fate of the war, in which the 
nation is involved, has so reduced them in circumstances, 
as seemingly to leave no choice whereby relief can be 
obtained, other than by the interference of congress, not 
only as respects their present condition, but from distress- 
ing appearances, the reality of which, they have reason 
to believe, will eventually meet them. 

They have already realized losses by war in a very 
extensive degree ; a number of valuable ships with full 
cargoes of oil have been captured and totally lost, and, 
what is truly lamentable, several of the owners, that 
were heretofore in opulent circumstances, are now re- 
duced to indigence. 

And they have further to anticipate a vejy considerable, 
if not a total loss of fifteen valuable ships, now absent in 
the whale fishery. 

Many vessels employed as coasters, and some in the 
merchant service, have also been captured and lost, to a 
great amount in value. 

The whale fishery, which has constantly been con- 
slderd the staple of Nantucket, must inevitably decline 
under the present state of things. In truth the partial 
failure, already realized, appears to threaten a total extinc- 
tion of the means by which that valuable branch has 
been so successfully prosecuted. 

The present stagnation of the mercantile, and also of 



I 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 177 

most other concernSj has induced, or, rather, compelled 
hundreds of people to remove to the continent, in search 
of the common necessaries of life, which could neither be 
afforded nor procured here, as the small remaining capital 
of our island is fast exhausting, without a present prospect 
of replenishing. 

It is neither the intention nor wish of your petitioners 
to present an exaggerated account, but merely a statement 
of facts, while they feel impelled seriously to request, 
that (if consistent) some provision may be made, whereby 
the fisheries may be prosecuted, without being subject to 
losses by war. 

Your petitioners are aware, that the time for collecting 
the direct tax and internal duties is fast approaching, re- 
specting which they beg leave to observe, that it appears 
to have been contemplated for the defence of the country. 
Their detached situation from the continent prevents al- 
most every benefit that can arise from its appropriation, 
their exposed and defenceless condition, considered with 
the natural situation of the island, which renders it impossi- 
ble for adequate defence to be afforded, are circumstances 
which they believe are but partially known to congress. 

The ruinous losses already realized, and those that are 
anticipated, and seemingly inevitable, added to a general 
suspension of the means of subsistence, are circumstances 
which, when duly considered, your petitioners are per- 
suaded, will entitle them not only to countenance and 
commiseration, but to such consistent relief as seems in- 
dispensable for their continued existence. 

Isaac Coffin, Moderator. 
James Coffin, Town Cleric:, 

Nantucket, 26th, 11th mo. 1813. 
12 



178 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

By accounts from the Pacific Ocean, it appeared that 
a number of whale ships had been detained by the 
Spaniards, and materially obstructed in the pursuit of 
their voyages, and that Commodore Porter had captured 
the greater part of the English whalers and caused the 
American ships to be released. The latter, being at 
liberty, mostly put away to come home. Much anxiety 
was felt for their safe arrival. There was a constant look- 
out for them both at Nantucket and at the Vineyard, and 
large pecuniary rewards were offered to those who should 
pilot them in, or give information to the owners which 
should be the means of securing their safe arrival. The 
arrival of several was hailed with great joy, and enabled 
those, whose property was still at risk, to effect insurance, 
though at the high rate of fifty per cent. Indeed the 
coast was so thronged with cruisers, that owners were 
willing to give almost any premium : and their apprehen- 
sions in the end proved to be w^ll founded, for few ships 
arrived afterwards. 

In the 12th month an embargo was laid on the vessels 
of the United States, widi the design of preventing the 
enemy's being supplied by the people of this country. 
" This act was an effectual seal upon the commerce of the 
United States both foreign and domestic. No vessel was 
allowed to depart from any port in the Union, to any 
other even in the same state, except in certain specified 
cases. The effects of this measure were felt very severely 
in many sections of the Union, particularly in the eastern 
states." The conditions of the act were such as nearly to 
cut off all communication between Nantucket and the 
continent. Without some modification, a great number 
of the inhabitants must have moved off; for it was evident 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 179 

that they could not subsist without suppHes of provision 
and fuel from abroad. 

On the return of the person appointed by the town 
to bear the petition mentioned in a preceding page, he 
reported, that the President and Heads of Departments 
commiserated the condition of the inhabitants, and ex- 
pressed their readiness to render all the assistance in their 
power, consistent with the interests of the nation ; and 
that they had promoted the passing of an act, mitigating 
the restrictions of the embargo ; and vesting full power 
in the Executive to grant such relief to the island, in 
allowing provisions and other necessaries to be brought 
from the continent, as its situation required. 

The embargo act did not have the desired effect, and 
it was repealed in the 4th month of 1814. An oppor- 
tunity was thus given to all to resume their commercial 
business. But the people of Nantucket, having lost the 
greater part of their trading capital, could not derive any 
material benefit from the measure. 

The difficulty of procuring bread stuff, and other neces- 
saries from the continent, now increased and produced 
great alarm. Some of the British vessels were constantly 
at Tarpauline Cove. Whilst engaged there in procuring 
water and other supplies, they sent their boats, from time 
to time, up and down the Sound, which captured all the 
coasters they met with ; they plundered some, and others 
they destroyed or exacted a ransom for them in money, 
pretty much on their own terms. These circumstances 
reduced the town to such a condition that famine seem- 
ed inevitable, unless a change should soon be brought 
about. There was not a bushel of corn to be bought. 

The whaling business, as we have already shown, is 



ISO HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

the source of almost all the employment of every class of 
citizens on the island. There is hardly an individual, 
who does not, directly or indirectly, receive a share of 
the profits or participate in the losses of each voyage. 
No chain of dependencies can be more perfect than that 
which exists between what are called the lower and the 
higher orders of society. This chain was now broken. 
A great proportion of the property at sea had fallen into 
the hands of the enemy. The mechanics, hitherto con- 
stantly employed in preparing the materials for voyages, 
were without business. The sound of the axe and 
hammer was no longer heard. The seamen were daily 
coming home from places of confinement among the 
English, many of whom found a cheerless welcome, for 
poverty and distress met them at the doors of their friends 
and connexions. Amidst the gloom which pervaded all 
classes of the community, there was no object, on which 
the eye could rest, that gave promise of better things ; 
nothing to revive the drooping spirits, but the whisperings 
of that kind angel, Hope, which 

" lingers still, nor quits us when we die." 

In the 6th month, 1814, some boats arrived with corn, 
which, although dear, afforded a timely relief to the in- 
habitants. 

A Chebacco boat, said to be a tender, belonging to the 
British frigate Nymph, had been for some lime cruising 
between Tuckernuck Shoal and Great Point, stopping 
every passing vessel, and either plundering their prizes 
of all the articles of value on board, or exacting ransom- 
money from the unfortunate sufferers. This practice was 
carried to so great a length, and became so distressing to 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 181 

the citizens, that they grew impatient. On one occasion 
an officer was sent on shore to receive ransom -money, 
which added to the agitation already heightened by re- 
peated losses. The streets were immediately thronged 
with a large concourse of people, who, feeling themselves 
so injured by so insignificant a force as a small Chebacco 
boat with only ten men, could no longer restrain their 
feelings, and publicly uttered threats of hostility. The 
persons foremost in this proceeding were principally 
strangers, who had been plundered of provisions and fuel, 
which they were bringing to the Island. It was deemed 
advisable to persuade them to be quiet, and consider that 
the use of force by the people of the island would only 
invite a greater force in return, and one which nothing 
but madness could prompt them to resist. Under these 
considerations the selectmen and others interfered and 
were successful In their attempts to quiet the crowd. 
The officer was permitted to depart with his booty. The 
affair, however, occasioned increased distress to the in- 
habitants, for many of the coasters determined not to 
come again to the Island, until there should appear a 
fairer prospect of avoiding the grasp of the enemy. 

It v/ould be impossible, and, perhaps, not very inter- 
esting, to detail all the difficulties and embarrassments 
occasioned by the war. A people, situated as those on 
the island of Nantucket, must necessarily have felt the 
pressure to an unlimited degree beyond those of many 
other places. It is their very pursuits in times of peace, 
that render them most exposed In times of war. With 
always a vast amount of property invested in ships, abroad 
on the ocean, navigated by hundreds of their own friends 
and relatives, engaged in voyages of three years duration, 



182 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

war must necessarily involve great numbers in misery and 
ruin. Their location and their religious character forbid 
their participating in national quarrels. 

If nations must, or rather if they will, persist in war, 
why should they countenance indiscriminate depredations 
on the property of individuals ? In other words, why 
legalize plunder, and encourage the worst passions of the 
worst men, by giving them commissions to commit acts, 
which, but for those commissions, would render them 
odious to the whole world and criminals by the letter and 
spirit of every code of laws ? Why train up a band of 
pirates, by making them first privateersmen ; and thus 
prepare subjects for the halter, by putting a premium 
upon crime ? We believe that nothing would be more 
effectual towards putting an end to all wars, than to allow 
trade and commerce to continue under certain restrictions, 
during national conflicts. It would prevent, in a great 
degree, that personal rancor, which individuals of belliger- 
ent nations are constantly imbibing against each other, by 
witnessing or feeling the effects of individual rapacity. 

The distress and difficulties occasioned by the war to 
the people of this devoted island were now daily increas- 
ing. British cruisers thronged the Sound, and blocked 
up the harbor, which wholly prevented a supply of pro- 
visions and fuel. Necessity required, that some uncom- 
mon exertion should be made to obtain relief. Not the 
poorer class only was interested, but those more particu- 
larly on whom the poor and indigent were making their 
daily dependence. It was therefore deemed expedient, 
that the inhabitants should convene together for the pur- 
pose of adopting such measures as might appear necessary 
to remove the present calamity. A meeting was accord- 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 183 

ingly held, and the subject was introduced by statements 
concerning the affairs of the town, made by the selectmen, 
overseers of the poor, and others. After much debate, it 
was voted, that the selectmen, and overseers of the poor, 
should be authorized to impoit provisions from the conti- 
nent for the support of the poor under their, immediate 
charge, in any way or manner they might deem expe- 
dient, not exceeding the value of five hundred busliels of 
corn at one risk. Tliis gave an opportunity to send for a 
small supply by every vessel that ventured out. 

On the 23d of 6th month there was a violent gale of 
■wind from the N. W. and the weather, at the same time, 
so cold that aged people, in passing about, wore mittens. 
The inhabitants in general made fires in their houses. 
The season had before been dry, which caused the wind 
to have such an effect on the fields of corn as to injure 
much of it in some places where it was most exposed ; 
but afterwards it pretty generally recovered its growth 
and yielded a tolerably good crop. 

The Chebacco boat, before mentioned, still continued 
on her station between Nantucket and the Vineyard, 
chasing all passing vessels, and plundering all that could 
be caught. None, who fell into the hands of this cruiser, 
escaped without loss ; for, however small their craft and 
poor their lading, there was still something to lose. There 
was great apprehension that the crew of this cruiser would 
land in the night, and commence their plunder and rob- 
bery, while the inhabitants were asleep. To guard against 
this, a night-watch was established, to patrol the streets, 
with direction to sound an alarm in case they landed. 
This measure had the desired effect so far, that the people 
could take their rest quietly. 



184 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

The continuance of ihis craft at and near the bar of the 
harbor was attended with so much embarrassment in ob- 
taining supplies from the continent, as to cause much 
alarm. At length the selectmen, by the advice of many 
of the inhabitants, deputed two of their number to repair 
on board and remonstrate with the captain against slaying 
any longer. They attended to their appointment, and 
endeavored to persuade him to leave, by stating the diffi- 
culties under which the town already labored by want of 
a free communication with the continent. They urged, 
that common humanity was sufficient to prevent his ad- 
ding to the distress of a people feeling already the want of 
the necessaries of life. At first, instead of listening to 
their arguments, he made high demands of vessels and 
other things, but he at lengtli said he would go away. 
After several days he depaited. He carried away some 
thousands of dollars in specie, and sundry articles of goods. 

A number of boats and small vessels now arrived with 
provisions and wood, which supplied the market, to the 
great relief of the people, althougli the prices were high : 
flour fourteen dollars per barrel, corn one dollar and forty 
cents per bushel, and wood seven dollars per cord. 

A tender from the Nymph frigate soon afterwards made 
its appearance between the point and bar, watching 
every passing vessel and boat, in order to make a prey of 
the defenceless. Several vessels coming from the main 
with supplies were taken, from all of which they exacted 
something in ransom ; they permitted some light vessels 
to pass out of the harbor unmolested. This cruiser w^as 
a sloop commanded by Charles Goulett, the person that 
commanded the Chebacco boat before mentioned. Some 
indiscreet persons had furnished him with a ]\ew York 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 185 

paper, wherein was an article, purporting to have been 
written at Nantucket, and tending, as he said, to vilify his 
character. He look umbrage at this, and addressed a 
letter to the chairman of the selectmen, threatening, in 
strong language, to pursue measures injurious to the island. 
The people were not in any degiee intimidated; some 
would have chosen to have him attempt the execution of 
his threats. The major part of the inhabitants, however, 
wisely considered that it was more advisable to appease, 
if possihle, than irritate him. A paper was drawn up, 
and signed by a large number, setting forth, that the 
publication was not authorized by the town, and that they 
did not know who was its author. This was sent off to 
him, and, after some altercation and explanation, he seemed 
satisfied with it. The committee, wdiich carried the com- 
munication, then pressed him to leave his present station. 
He promised to do so, but said that he should probably 
be back in a short time. He did leave, and in a few days 
returned again. The people, having become familiar 
with his mode of depredation, w^ere careful to keep out of 
his reach. He, however, frequently found opportunity 
to convey his threats to the inhabitants, that he should 
enter the harbor, and set fire to some of the houses. This 
was neitlier expected nor dreaded. 

British cruisers were so numerous along our seacoast, 
that our government considered it expedient to discon- 
tinue the public lights, wherever it was probable that the 
enemy would be benefited by them. The collector at 
Nantucket, who had the care of the lights there, discon- 
tinued them from time to time, as circumstances required. 
The buoys on the corners of the shoals and at the bars 
were taken up for the same reason. 



186 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

The harbor had now been a long time blocked up by 
the British. There was no wood provided for winter, 
and the stock of provisions was considerably reduced. All 
agreed tliat it was necessary to take some measures to 
avoid distress ; but it was difficult to agree as to what 
those measures should be. The selectmen were at length 
requested to call a town-meeting to deliberate on the 
subject. The meeting was held on the 2.3d of the 7th 
month, 1814, at whicli, after some discussion, the follow- 
ing vote was passed : " That we appoint the present 
selectmen of this town a committee, with full powers to 
make use of such means as may appear to them most 
eligible for this town to pursue, which the constitution 
and laws of this country do not forbid, for the inhabitants 
to bring wood, provisions and other necessaries, from the 
continent of the United States, for the consumption of 
the inhabitants of Nantucket." 

Tlie selectmen, feeling themselves authorized by the 
additional powers now vested in them by the town, and 
being fully sensible of the necessity of taking some 
measures to obtain relief, fitted the sloop Hawk, David 
Starbuck, master, and qualified her as a flag of truce ; 
and appointed Silvanus Macy and Isaac Coffin, Esquires, 
as commissioners, and qualified them accordingly ; giving 
them written instructions to proceed to the British naval 
commanding officer on the North American station, and 
to represent to him, in an impartial manner, the situation 
of the people of Nantucket. The commissioners were 
directed to ask permission to import wood, provisions, &ic., 
and liberty to whale and fish about the coast. The follow- 
ing are copies of instructions to the commissioners and to 
Captain Starbuck. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 187 

''By this present instrument you are hereby appointed 
and legally qualified, by the selectmen of Nantucket, as 
commissioners, to embark in the sloop Hawk, Captain 
David Starbuck, who has received directions to carry you 
without delay to the British naval commander-in-chief on 
the North American station. 

" When you may meet the commander-in-chief, you 
will carefully and faitlifully represent to him the present 
state and condition of the inhabitants of this town, adding, 
also, that tliey are seriously apprehensive of the over- 
whelming effects of famine, which it seems can neither 
be evaded or eluded, except permission can be obtained 
of the commander-in-chief to import the necessary pro- 
visions and fuel from the continent to the island ; but as 
you are acquainted wiih every particular, it is considered 
needless to add any thing more on this subject, than to 
mention our confidence that you will give it all the atten- 
tion which its importance may seem to demand. 

" You are also so well acquainted with the exhausted 
state of our finances, and the necessity of ways and means 
to replenish them, and that the fishery has heretofore 
been our constant dependence for that purpose, but little 
need be said on the occasion; we would, however, recom- 
mend, that you mention the facts of things to the com- 
mander-in-chief, and, if possible, to obtain permission to 
prosecute it as heretofore. 

^' It is presumed we need not add any thing more, than 
to call your pointed attention to the several particulars 
herein contained. 

[Signed by the selectmen.] 

'' Nantucket, July 27, 1814.'' 



188 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

To Capt. David Starbuck. 

It having been determined by the selectmen of the 
town of Nantucket to despatch the sloop Hawk, now 
under your command, to Cliesapeake Bay, or elsewhere, 
as ^fiag of truce, — you will, with all possible convenience, 
prepare your vessel for that undertaking, and, after being 
equipped for the voyage, you will embrace the first favor- 
able opportunity, and proceed to the place of your desti- 
nation, subject, however, to the following instructions, 
viz. : 

You are to display the white flag at your topmast head, 
and continue it abroad (as occasion may require) during 
the time you are considered as a cartel. 

As Silvanus Macy and Isaac Coffin, Esquires, will em- 
bark with you, as commissioners, to negotiate or transact 
the business of the town, under direction of the selectmen, 
you will, in every case, be subject to their control, and 
attentive to their orders, keeping constantly in view, that 
one important point of your duty will be to convey them 
to thie British naval commander on the North American 
station, w^ith the least possible delay. 

You will not admit any passen^^^er or article of merchan- 
dise whatever, at any time during your voyage, to be 
taken on board your vessel, excej)t it be by the express 
direction of the above-mentioned commissioners. 

Nantucket, July 27, 1814. 

[Signed by the selectmen.] 

The commissioners sailed on their mission the day 
following the date of their instructions. 

A private vessel was also sent at the same time, with 
a comn}ittee, and, as was said, for similar purposes, but, 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 189 

as this was a measure taken by individuals, and not by 
authority of the town, we shall say but little about it ; 
not being in full knowledge of their comaiission, or of the 
effects thereof. 

A great number of the inhabitants were now busily 
employed in procuring peat frotn the swamps. They 
gladly took the benefit of this substitute for wood. It 
was indeed considered a great blessing, and it saved, at 
that time, several thousands of dollars. 

About the 22d of this month, the British armed brig 
Nimrod came to the bar and anchored, and sent a boat 
ashore, bearing a flag of truce. The selectmen immedi- 
ately convened, and sent a message to the officer, inform- 
ing him that they were in session, and ready to receive 
any communication he might be pleased to make to them. 
He informed them, that the captain of the brig had a com- 
munication from commodore Hotham, which would be 
delivered to a committee who should be authorized by 
the town to receive it on board the brig. The selectmen 
appointed a committee out of th.eir nutnber, and author- 
ized them to go on board, which they attended to the fol- 
lowing morning, and were politely received by captain 
Newton and his officers. After the usual ceremonies, the 
captain informed them, that his business was to propose a 
stipulation of neutrality, to be observed by the people of 
Nantucket. He then read to them a communication 
signed by commodore Hotham, the purport of which was, 
that, if Nantucket would observe strict neutrality during 
the war, he would permit a certain number of vessels to 
import wood, provisions, and other supplies. The time 
and place was not suited to a full consultation on the sub- 
ject, and its importance was such that the committee did 



190 HISTORY or NANTUCKET. 

not feel authorized to act upon it. They therefore left 
the brig and came on shore, with an expectation of being 
furnished with the original communication, or a copy of 
it. The brig's barge also came on sliore at the same 
time. The selectmen immediately met in order to receive 
a copy of the communication, as had been i)romised. 
Notwithstanding the officer of the boat was now ashore, 
no communication was received by the selectmen in less 
time than two hours. A delay of this nature, at so criti- 
cal a time, was attended with disagreeable sensations. 
When the communication was at length received, it was 
found necessary to call the town together, which was done 
the same afternoon at 6 o'clock. During the time of 
these transactions, the people of the town were in great 
commotion, for the subject had not been so fully opened 
to the public, as to allow of their comprehending its nature 
and importance. There was a very general apprehension, 
that the British had secret intentions of a hostile charac- 
ter ; that the present fair appearance was only designed 
to lull the people into a state of security; and that the 
design was then to add to the distress already felt. The 
streets were crowded with the inhabitants, who appeared 
in much anxiety for the event. 

A town-meeting was held at the time appointed. 
There was a general attendance, for the subject was 
novel as w^ell as interesting, and dfew the attention of 
nearly every male inhabitant. The meeting was held in 
the street near the Friend's south meeting-house. The 
communication from the British commander was then 
read, the substance of \vhich was, " that the people of 
Nantucket shall observe a strict neutrality between the 
two contending powers during the existence of the present 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 191 

war; shall refrain from taking up arms against the sub- 
jects of Great Britain ; shall surrender up all public arms, 
guns, ammunition, and all other public property of every 
kind and nature. 

" That, in case of a compliance, they would permit a 
limited but small number of vessels to import wood, pro- 
visions, and other necessaries, to the island, and if a sur- 
plusage should appear, all British vessels coming to Nan- 
tucket, should have liberty to purchase refreshments, 
provided it did not distress the inhabitants; and that a 
deputation from t!]e town should meet the commodore at 
Gardner's Bay to conclude the treaty." 

Some short remarks were made at the meeting, chiefly 
purporting, that nothing unreasonable was required in the 
communication, and that if the conditions were complied 
w^ith so far as was consistent, the much-needed relief 
would be obtained. It was generally believed, that 
neither our government, nor any reasonable man, would 
criminate the town for embracing this oj)porlunity to ob- 
tain the privilege of importing the necessaries of life 
from the continent. In accordance with these views the 
following votes were taken. 

" That this town will not take up arms against Great 
Britain during the present war between Great Britain and 
the United States of America, collectively or severally. 

^' That this town will surrender up all such public arms, 
ammunition, and other public property, that shall be found 
in said town. 

''That this town will not take up arms to defend any 
public property. 

"That this town will make no opposition against any 
British vessel comini: into this haibor to refresh. 



192 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

" That this town will choose a committee to wait on 
Commodore Hotham, at Gardner's Ba}', or elsewhere, 
agreeably to his request." 

A committee was then chosen, after which it was voted, 

"That the committee inform. Captain Newton, com- 
mander of the brig Nimrod, of the proceedings of this 
meetings and that tliey are appointed to wait on Commo- 
dore Hothanr in Gardner's Bay, or elsewhere. 

"Nantucket, August 24th, 1S14." 

The forementioned comnumication from Commodore 
Hotham appeared, from its tenor, and other circumstances, 
to have originated from certificates given by the select- 
men and magistrates of Nantucket, to qualify a vessel to 
go and meet the British commander-in-chief, and from 
him to endeavor to obtain permission to bring a load of 
bread stuff from Virginia for the sole consumption of the 
inhabitants, stating the distressed situation of the, island at 
that time. Admiral Cochrane, on receiving this informa- 
tion, directed Commodore Hotham to send a vessel to 
Nantucket, and make the foregoing provisions of neu- 
trality. 

The day following the meeting, the Nimrod left the 
bar, accompanied by the sloop Experiment, both intend- 
ed for Gardner's Bay, to meet Commodore Hotham. 
The Experiment carried the town's committee. 

On the 30th, the committee returned, having perform- 
ed the business of their appointment agreeably with the 
foregoing plan. They reported, that they were received 
on board the ship Superb, then lying in Gardner's Bay, 
and treated in a polite manner. That they there made 
a general statement of the situation and circumstances of 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 193 

the inhabitants of Nantucket ; and that there were no 
arms, artillery, ammunition, warlike stores, or government 
property of any kind on the island, except the two light- 
houses and a scanty supply of oil for the season, vvhich 
they requested might remain unmolested. Geneial sat- 
isfaction being given, the commodore signed a stipulation 
of neutrality, a copy of which follows. 

By the Honorable Henry Hotham, Commodore, com- 
manding his majesty's ships and vessels employed on 
the coast of North America, between Nantucket and 
the Delaware. 
The island of Nantucket having been this day de- 
clared neutral by a deputation appointed at a legal town- 
meeting, held on the 23d instant, to wait on me to stipu- 
late for the relief of the inhabitants, who engage they 
shall take no part whatever in tlie war between Great 
Britain and the United States of America, and that such 
refreshments as it can afford, without distressing themselves, 
shall be as free for the use of his majesty's ships as at 
other friendly places ; and having, by the direction of 
Vice Admiral, the Honorable Alexander Cochrane, K. B. 
commander-in-chief, he. he. &c.,in consideration there- 
of, granted them permission to import provisions, live 
stock, fuel, and other necessaries of life, from the conti- 
nent of the United Slates, and furnished certain vessels 
with passports to perform such voyages, unmolested by 
the ships and vessels of his majesty, and by the private 
armed vessels of his subjects ; — 

These are to request and direct, that no hostilities nor 
depredations be committed by those which may arrive at 
or communicate with that Island. 
13 



194 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Given under my hand and seal on board his majesty's 
ship Superb, off New London, the 28th of August, 1814. 

Henry Hotham. 
To the commanders of his majesty's ships and vessels, and 
of the private armed vessels of his subjects. 
By command of the commodore, 

John Irving. 

In accordance with the foregoing agreement, the com- 
modore granted three passports to go to the Delaware, 
and three to go to New York, to bring provisions, and 
other necessaries; and fifteen vessels, to bring wood. 

The following is a copy of one of the passports to 
bring provisions. 

[Seal.] By the Honorable Henry Hotham, Com- 
modore, commanding his majesty's ships and vessels 
employed between Naniucket and the Delaware. 

Having, by the direction of the vice-admiral, the 
Honorable Sir Alexander Cochrane, K. B. commander- 
in-chief, he, &c. &ic., stipulated with the magistrates 
and select-men of the island of Nantucket for the neu- 
trality of that island, and, in consideration thereof, 
granted permission to the inhabitants to import provision, 
live stock, fuel, and other necessaries of life for their 
use, from the United States of America ; — 

These are to require and direct the commanders of 
his majesty's ships and vessels, and of the private armed 
vessels, not to molest or interrupt the sloop ******** 
of about fifty-five tons burthen, navigated by inhabitants 
of Nantucket, carrying no guns or other arms of any 
kind, in the employment of conveying the above described 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 1.95 

articles from the Delaware to Nantucket ; or sperm can- 
dles or oil from that island, provided she be not found 
carrying on any other trade, or commerce, with his 
majesty's enemies, nor fishing in the open sea ; in either 
of which cases, she will be committing an infraction of 
the agreement made this day by the aforementioned 
parties respectively, and will be liable to capture. 

Given under my hand and seal on board his majesty's 
ship Superb, off New London, 2Sth August, 1814. 

Henry Hotham. 
To the commanders of his majesty's ships and vessels, 
and of the private armed vessels of his subjects. 
By command of the commodore. 

John Irving. 

The dates and tenor of the other passports were similar, 
except such variations as the circumstances required. 

Notwithstanding the trouble and expense to vvliich the 
town had been subjected, in obtaining permission to 
import provisions and fuel, the people were not satisfied. 
The privileges were so limited that they could not fish 
nor whale without the risk of capture, nor carry fish to 
market ; and no passengers were allowed to go in the 
privileged vessels. The passports being specially granted 
to certain vessels therein named, no otliers could be 
benefited by such limited restrictions. Tins created a 
considerable decree of dissatisfaction among them, who 
had vessels lying at the wharves, and others, who had 
large boats fitted for the New York trade. Besides, the 
number of licensed vessals was so small, that they were 
not sufficient to furnish all the required supplias. 

One other circumstance had considerable weight with 



196 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

many ; notwithstanding tlie necessity of the case, which 
might reasonably be pleaded in extenuation of the measures 
of the town, if some person, with malicious intent, should 
have made complaint to the government, it would at least 
embarrass, and might bring the town into additional 
difficulties, and, instead of proving a benefit to the com- 
munity, end in distress. 

These reflections became so forcible on the minds of 
many, that in the 9th month a committee was deputed 
to wait on Elbridge Gerry, the vice-president, previous 
to his leaving his home to attend to the duties of his 
office at Washington. They reported, on their return, 
that, after giving him a full statement of the tr;^nsactions 
of the town with the B.iiish, he had said, that he could 
not condemn the proceedings, and that he knew of no 
other way in which they could liave done so well. He 
further promised to represent the subject to the govern- 
ment, and to use his endeavors to secure its approbation 
of their conduct. He also recotnmended their giving a 
statement of the case to congress. 

The commissioners, who were appointed by the au- 
thority of the town, on the 27th of the 7th month, to go 
to Admiral Cochrane, now returned and reported in sub- 
stance as follows : — Believing that the admiral was at 
Bermudas, they had pursued their course thither, but to 
their moitification they found, that he had sailed thence, 
two or three days previous to their arrival, for the 
Chesapeake. Their vessel needing some repairs, and 
they were necessarily detained a few days, in which time 
they visited the governor of Bermudas, who received 
them courteously, and seemed to lament with them the 
lost opportunity of meeting with the admiral there. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 197 

They made him acquainted with the nature of their 
mission. He was a man of high respectabihty, and ever 
ready to manifest his benevolence, when it could be 
consistently exercised. In this case he could do little 
more than to advise them to pursue their mission to the 
admiral, in whom, he stated, they would find a man of 
feeling, who, he believed, would do every thing in his 
power for the relief of Nantucket. He asked them, 
whether they did not believe, that the people of that 
island would be benefited by being placed under the 
jurisdiction of Great Britain. And he stated, that if 
direct application should be made to Admiral Cochrane 
for that purpose, and if the admiral could be well assured, 
that it would benefit the inhabitants, he did not doubt 
that a small force would be sent to accomplish the 
business, and protect the place. 

The committee informed him, that they did not believe, 
that such a chan^i^e in the «2:overnment of the island would 
be beneficial; but that it would, on the contrary, add to 
the troubles already experienced. 

He said, that it appeared, that the application had been 
made by the authority of the town, and he supposed that 
they had come to act in the premises. They replied, 
that it did not come from the authority of the town, and 
that the town did not want it done. He then informed 
them, that a letter, signed by the chairman of the select- 
men had been received by the admiral, making the 
request. They stated, that it was a forgery,^ committed 
by some malicious persons, to answer some sinister ends ; 



^ One of the commissioners was the chairman of the selectmen 
alluded to in the forged letter. 



198 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

for there had never been any movements made by the 
town, by any ways or means whatever, to come under 
the British government, and that most of the inhabitants 
would abhor the idea of changing their government for 
any other on earth. 

After completing their business at Bermudas, they left, 
in company* with the Madagascar frigate, and arrived at 
the Patuxent river, in the Chesapeake, where they found 
Admiral Cochrane. He received tliem on board his ship 
in a very friendly manner, and afier finding who they 
were, the business they came upon, and that they were 
properly authorized by the town as a flag of truce, he 
treated them cordially, and said that he believed the 
statement, wdiich they made, to be correct ; and that he 
would do all he could, consistently with his duties, for the 
relief of Nantucket. He made many inquiries, respecting 
the situation of the island, and seemed to take a deep 
interest in its condition. He told them, that he had been 
informed, in some degree, of the sufferings of the people, 
and that he had made arrangements with Commodore 
Hotham, at Gardner's Bay, for their relief. 

Finding so much freedom in his carriage, tlie committee 
proposed to him an extension of the privileges already 
granted, so as to allow whaling to be carried on without 
the risk of capture. The admiral stated, that this could 
not be granted without the consent of his government ; 
but he said, that, if they would put their ideas on paper, 
agreeably to the wishes of the town, he w^ould send the 
communication by a despatch vessel, which was to sail 
the following day, adding, that he believed an arrange- 
ment could be made to meet their views. Notwithstand- 
ing this favorable opportunity to pursue a very desirable 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 199 

object, prudence prevented the acceptance of his generous 
offer; and the committee replied, that, however desirous 
they were to avail themselves of it, yet they had no 
authority to request any privilege, which it was beyond 
his power to grant. 

Thn committee then treated w^ith him on the subject of 
Nantucket prisoners, and set forth the difference between 
such as belonired to the island and sailed in the fisheries, 
and those of the United States in general. He readily 
acceded to their views; and, as a plan for exchange could 
not be adopted in case of the island's becoming neutral, 
he gave them authority to call for such prisoners, belong- 
ing to Nantucket, as they should find on board of his 
majesty's vessels, which they might fall in with on their 
passage home. And he promised to write to his govern- 
ment concerning Nantucket prisoners in general. They 
had a full opportunity with him, and opened to him every 
circumstance relating to their mission ; to all which he 
appeared very attentive, and finally said, that he would 
do every thing for the relief of the people of Nantucket, 
consistent with his duty to his government ; and stated 
that his secretary was then about finishing a despatch to 
Commodore Hot ham, which would be a confirmation of 
what he had heretofore granted. The despatch being 
finished, they were about to proceed with it to Commo- 
dore Hotham, when they were astonished with the in- 
formation, that a postscript had been added to it, of the 
following import : " that if Nantucket paid the direct tax, 
or internal duties, the sti|)ulations entered into for their 
relief, &ic. should become void." There had never been 
any conversation between Admiral Cochrane and the 
commissioners on this subject ; but however much the 



200 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



latter were astonished at this new condition, tliey had no 
opportunity for further negotiation, as the admiral appeared 
to have done with them, and to have turned his attentiou 
to other husiness. 

The postscript, above-mentioned, seemed to threaten a 
total defeat to all the plans of tiie town, to save them- 
selves from famine. There appeared to be no probability 
of being able to evade or elude it. The committee, there- 
ore, left the Chesapeake in dismay, though conscious of 
having discharged their duties faithfully, and as far as in 
their power, consistently with the best interests of the 
town . 

A copy of the despatch, which the commissioners took 
with them, is here inserted. 

Surprize, in the Patuxent River, 30th of August, 1814. 

Sir, — A deputation from the island of Nantucket having 
waited on me in this river, under a flag of truce, to solicit 
permission to obtain supplies of food and fuel from the 
continent of the United States, I have referred them to 
you, and you will be pleased to grant them such indul- 
gences as you may deem proper, consistently with what 
is prescribed in my letter. No. 6, of 26th July, 1814, 
respecting the inhabitants of tiiat island. 
I have the honor to be, sir, 

your most obedient humble servant, 

Alexander Cochrane, 
Vice Admiral and Commander-in-Chief, he. he. 
Rear Admiral the Hon. Henry Hotham, he. he. he, 

P. S. You will be pleased to signify to the inhabit- 
ants of the island of Nantucket, that, if it be found they 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 201 

pay any direct taxes, or internal duties, for the support of 
the government of the United States,! will withdraw this 
indulgence forthwith, and will call upon them to pay 
double the amount lo his majesty's government. 

Alexander Cochrane. 

The commissioners, having arrived at Gardner's Bay, 
delivered the despatch to Commodore Hot ham, who 
ordered his secretary to write to the committee which 
heretofore waited on him from Nantucket, informing them 
of this new arrangement. The letter was sent by the 
commissioners, and was as follows : 

His Majesty's Ship Superb, 
off New London, Stli September, 1814. 

Gentlemen, — I have received instructions from Vice 
Admiral the Honorable Alexander Cochrane, K. B. Com- 
mander-in-Cliief, kc. he. &c., — which \\\\\ require that 
the inhabitants of the island of Nantucket should distinctly 
understand that the terms, on which they have stipulated 
for the neutrality of that island, will n H permit them to 
pay any direct taxes, or internal duties, for the support 
of the government of the United States of America; and 
that I should receive an assurance from you, that they 
conceive a strict neutrality will preclude them from ren- 
dering any support of that nature to that government; in 
failure of the execution of wl)ich, I am instructed forth- 
with to withdraw the passports I have granted to their 
vessels, and to call upon them to pay double the amount 
of the taxes to his British majesty's government, they pay 
to that of the United States of America. 
I have the honor to be, he. 

Henry Hotham, Commodore. 

Directed to the town's committee. 



202 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

P. S. A Nantucket vessel having been found wbalino; 
^viih a counterfeit protection, orders will be given to his 
majesty's ships to capture or destroy all vessels belonging 
to that island, wliich shall be found with any other than 
the original protections granted to them. 

The inhabitants of the town immediately convened on 
the subject of the foregoing communication. The busi- 
ness claimed the serious attention of the people; and, 
after some debate, it was voted to send the following 
petition to congress, requesting a suspension of the col- 
lection of the direct tax and internal duties, during the 
existence of the present war. 

To the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress 
assembled. 
The inhabitants of the town of Nantucket are com- 
pelled, by calamities beyond tlieir control, once more to 
petition the constituted authorities of the nation to con- 
tribute at least so far to the relief of their sufferings, as to 
suspend the collection of the direct taxes and internal 
duties which, by law, are, or may be, liable to be exacted 
of them. They are convinced that a reiteration of the 
peculiar, muhiplied, and overwhelming evils which assail 
them, is not essential to procuring the relief for which 
they are now constrained to petition. Exposed to the 
free and undisturbed access of the declared enemies of the 
government of the United States, it is indispensable to 
their existence, as a component part of that government, 
that they should nv^t, during the existence of the war, 
contribute to the means by which it is carried on. In- 
disposed as your petitioners sincerely are to injure their 
own country, or to contravene its wholesome laws, they 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 203 

cannot be less anxious to avoid affixing their own seal to 
their own immediate misery and destruction. It is evi- 
dently certain, that while they continue without the pro- 
tection of the government of the United States, and 
exposed to all the depredations that n)ay be committed 
upon them, they cannot justly be reduced to misery and 
starvation, for pecuniary contribution, so inconsiderable to 
the government, as that which is required of them. This 
consideration alone is not only sufficient to justify the re- 
spectful application, but it ought, they believe, to claim 
for it that attention, which will lead to a complete attain- 
ment of its object. 

Signed in behalf, and by direction of the town of Nan- 
tucket, in a legal town meeting assembled on the 15th 
day of September, 1814. 

Attest : James Coffin, Toiun Clerl<:, 

The same meeting agreed on sending the following 
letter to Commodore Hotham : 

Nantucket, 15th September, 1814. 
The Honorable Henry Hotham, Esquire, commanding 
his majesty's ships and vessels employed on the coast 
of North America from Nantucket to the Delaware. 

Sir, — We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your communication, dated on the 8th instant, and we now 
beg leave to reply to the subject of it. The inhabitants of 
the island are under a full conviction of the heavy pressure, 
the payment of the direct and other taxes would have upon 
them at this time of increased and increasing distress, but 
they have had to act on this subject with much obvious 
embarrassment, reflecting; on the effect that a refusal of the 



204 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

payment would have on the one band, while they con- 
templated on the other, with no less anxiety, the intima- 
tions tliat the payment shotdd cause the f^renerous privileges 
granted them to be withdrawn. In this extreme, critical, 
and perplexing condition, they assembled in town-meeting, 
and resolved to petition the congress of the United States, 
if not to remit, at least to suspend the collection of the 
taxes during the existence of the present unhappy con- 
flict. But to remove all doubt of the intention of the 
inhabitants fully to comply, as far as practicable, with the 
requisitions of the Honorable Sir Alexander Cochrane, 
the officer, deputed to collect the taxes upon t!ie island, 
was prevailed upon immediately to resign his commission. 

We feel confident, that no inhabitant of the island will 
accept the appointment as collector, and that no stranger 
will expose himself so much, as he necessarily must, to 
hold tliis undesirable office. Under these circumstances, 
we are persuaded no taxes will be paid ; but we think 
ourselves ju'^tified in believing, that a public and direct 
refusal will not be required of us ; for the peculiar favors 
already granted to this place evince, in his Britannic 
majesty's government and in his naval commanders, a 
determination not to embarrass and distress, but to aid 
and relieve the unoffending inhabitants. 

Respecting the counterfeit protection referred to in 
your honor's communication, we have made strict inquiry, 
which has produced in our minds a conviction, that the 
supposed counterfeit papers were merely an attested copy 
of the votes of the town, and a copy of the protection 
granted the town, attested by a notary public. These 
copies were procured to show the neutrality of the island, 
in the event of the vessel's capture and destruction, to 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 205 

induce the discbarge of the men, if such discharge should 
be consistent with the instructions given to his British 
majesty's commanders. We do not discover that any 
injury can result from these copies ; but, if this use of 
them, thus explained, does not comport with your honor's 
views, no pains shall be spared on our part to suppress 
the use of tliern. 

In order that you may be better able to judge of the 
tenor of these instruments granted, we here inclose you 
a true copy of all the papers which have been given to 
those vessels who have no protection. 
We have the honor to be, he. 

[Signed by the committee.] 

A letter was soon after received by the commiitee from 
Commodore Hotham in reply to the preceding, the sub- 
stance of w^hich was, to require a direct answer " whether 
the town is determined to refuse the payment of the direct 
taxes and internal duties, which are, or shall be required 
by the government of the United States ? " 

The comniittee having no authority to answer this 
demand, laid the subject before a meeting of the town, 
warned for the purpose. Many of the inhabitants believ- 
ing that the business was about to be conducted in a way 
that might bring the censure of their governnient, if no- 
thing more, upon them, concluded that it would be safest 
for them not to attend the meeting. The meeting was, 
therefore, but thinly attended. - 

The following votes were taken on the occasion, with 
little or no opposition, viz : 

*' That this town will not pay any direct tax, or inter- 
nal duties, during the present war between tlie United 
States of America and the government of Great Biitain.'' 



206 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

" That there hs a committee appointed to carry into 
effect the neutrality, which is agreed on with Admiral 
Henry Hotham." 

" That the committee so chosen be a committee to 
treat with the commanders of all public and private 
British armed vessels, that are or shall be visiting our 
shores." 

" That this town do now discontinue all other com- 
mittees, that have been heretofore appointed by said town 
to treat with any of his Britannic majesty's ships or vessels, 
in behalf of the town." 

^' That this town w ill prevent the carrying off any 
provisions from this island more than shall be permitted 
by x\dmiral Henry Hotham." 
Nantucket, Sept. 28, 1814. 

A deputation from the committee was sent with the 
aforesaid rej)ly, who reported, on their return, that no 
additional extension of the privileges, heretofore granted, 
could be obtained from Admiral Hotham. 

The protections, granted by the Biitish, to bring pro- 
visions, fuel, &ic., from the continent, were at first of 
material benefit, and were duly appreciated by the people 
generally. But the limited conditions specified in them, 
and the j alcusies they created, both amongst the Amer- 
icans and the English, soon lessened their value ; so that 
some who possessed them, hardly dared to leave port and 
trust to them. 

On the 10th of the lOth month, a remarkable occur- 
rence took plac?, a description of which, although it does 
not come within the limits of this w^ork, according to the 
intention of the w liter, seems to be demanded, since the 



HISTORY or NANTUCKET. 207 

affair happened very near to the island. The American 
privateer schooner Neufchatel, of New York, and a ship 
from Jamaica, her prize, loaded with sugar, coffee, he, 
were at anchor at the south side of tlie island, with a 
small breeze at the northward. Tliere was a ship wide 
in the offing at the same time, supposed to be a British 
man-of-war. At two o'clock P. M. the captain of the 
privateer discovered boats from the ship headed in toward 
the shore. Being fully convinced that they were British, 
he made every preparation to give them a warm recep- 
tion. At sunset five barges were plainly discovered, 
which appeared to be full of men. At nine in the even- 
ing they came within musket shot of the privateer, when 
the action commenced, and continued about thirty-five 
minutes. After tlie firing ceased, it was found that two 
of the barges had surrendered ; one was missing, supposed 
to have sunk. The other two returned with sixteen men, 
out of one hundred and forty -six that left the ship, which 
proved to be the Endymion frigate. From the best in- 
formation that could be obtained, it was found that about 
one hundred of the ship's crew were killed, among whom 
v.'as the first lieutenant, who headed the expedition. Of 
the privateer's crew five were killed, including the pilot, 
who belonged to Nantucket. We forbear to state the 
particulars of this sanguinary engagement, believing that 
it w^ould neither please nor edify a large part of our 
readers. Wliat we have related is sufficient both as a 
record of the fact, and as an example of the horrors of 
war. Tlie action took place within about five miles of 
the town, and whilst the work of death was going on, the 
reports of the cannon and muskets were distinctly heard 
by the inhabitants. Such a scene, almost under the eye 



208 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

of a large community, one of whose most distinguishing, 
and, as we think, noblest traits, is a strong aversion to 
war, could not fail to bring a solemn gloom over their 
minds. 



CHAPTER X. 



During, and a little previous to the lOih month, 1814, 
there had been some talk of ))eace. Ministers of the 
United States and Great Britain were negotiating a treaty, 
but there were so many interests involved, that the pros- 
pect of an immediate, amicable settlement, was by no 
means flatiering. The winter therefore commenced, 
attended with much of the gloom and despondency which 
bad before prevailed. The market was, however, well 
supplied wiili flour and corn. On the 16ih of the second 
month, the glad tidings of a treaty of peace were proclaim- 
ed. The joy of the inhabitants, on this occasion, we shall 
not attempt to describe. It was felt, and is still remem- 
bered by hundreds, whose connexions were then immured 
in prisons abroad, or whose means of subsistence had been 
snatched from them by the ruthless hand of war ; by 
parents whose children, and by cliildren whose par'ents, 
were asking bread. 

The terms of the treaty were represented to be so 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 209 

honorable to this nation, that no doubts of its ratification 
were entertained. The attention of merchants was imme- 
diately turned to their wonted business. The season was 
yet inclement, and the harbor blocked up with ice ; so 
that vessels could not go to any port on the continent to 
procure materials for the outfits of the few ships remain- 
ing in port. Mechanics immediately commenced work 
with what little coopers' stuff, iron, hemp, he, was on 
hand. In the mean time all anxiously looked for news 
from government. 

At length, on the 28th of the same month, the condi- 
tions of the treaty arrived, ratified by the president. 
This confirmation of their expectations was hailed with 
inexpressible joy. The streets were thronged with peo- 
ple congratulating each other on the occasion. Gratitude 
and thanksgiving to the Author of all good seemed to 
pervade the community. 

The war being closed, all began to turn their attention 
to business. Some left the island to seek employment in 
other ports, but the greater part commenced making 
arrangements for the prosecution of the whaling business. 
At the close of the war, it was found that about one half 
of the ships was left, several of which were not at sea 
during the war, some had been sent off to neighboring 
ports on the continent for safety, others were hauled up. 
In all, including those which arrived in time of war, there 
remained twenty-three. Twenty-two had been taken 
and condemned, one was lost at sea. Fifteen returned 
home in safety, five were not at sea during the war, three 
were brought to the island after the close of the war. 
Thus of liie whole number belonging to the port at the 
commencement of hostilities, there remained exactly one 
14 



210 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

half. Of those remaining, many needed extensive re- 
pairs. 

Business was commenced with alacrity. In a very 
short time several ships were sent to sea. Small compa- 
nies were formed hy new adventurers, who made consid- 
erable additions to the fleet. BeHeving that the first oil 
imported would command a high price, many were stim- 
ulated to embark in the business, beyond the extent of 
their funds. Thus a system, if it may be so called, of 
long credits was introduced, which, though it promised 
some advantage to the community by bringing more ships 
into the service, and employing a greater number of men, 
was nevertheless pregnant with evils. Mechanics were 
under the necessity of trusting out their wares, for an un- 
usual length of time, and were subjected to the necessity 
of hiring money to purchase their stock, a practice which 
proved very injurious to them. And some owners, who 
did not meet with success, found themselves much em- 
barrassed by thus transacting business. 

From the time of which we have just spoken, to the 
present date, 6th month, 1835, our history must necessa- 
rily assume the form of a diary. No events have occur- 
red which admit of a connected narrative. During the 
long continunnce of peace, the whale fishery, like all 
other business, has had its fluctuations; at times prosper- 
ous and encouraging, at other times dull and unprofitable. 

Hitherto we have purposely avoided touching on some 
subjects of general interest, deeming it more expedient to 
devote a portion of our limits purposely to them, than to 
interweave them among the other incidents of our narra- 
tion. Among these are some notices of religious socie- 
ties, education, shipwrecks, he, which will be found in 
our Second Part. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 211 

On the first of the second month, 1815, the weather 
was remarkably cold. The thermometer was eleven 
degrees below zero ; lower by several degrees than had 
ever before been known. 

Although peace was now concluded between the two 
governments, the evils occasioned by the war were not 
entirely done away. The taxes for the support of the 
poor department, on account of the great increase of the 
poor, had increased nearly one hundred per cent. The 
town was called upon to pay large amounts to the gov- 
ernment, as a direct tax, which was a heavy burden on a 
great number of the inhabitants, many of whom were 
possessed of nothing more than a small estate in land, or, 
perhaps, an old house. Some of these were aged peo- 
ple, or widow^s, whose scanty means should have ren- 
dered them rather objects of charity, than contributors to 
the expenses of government ; while seafaring men and 
merchants were very generally exempted. These con- 
siderations caused many to pay with reluctance. Some 
were even obliged to sell a part of their interest, to meet 
the demand, their taxes amounting to more than their 
whole cash receipts for the year. 

In the 7th month many of the ships, left at the close of 
the war, had proceeded to sea ; some to the coast of 
Brazil, but the greater part to the Pacific Ocean. Ten 
ships were, this month, at one time lying at the bar, all 
waiting to complete their outfits in order to commence their 
voyages. 

In the 5th month, 1816, a newspaper was issued by 
Tannatt and Tupper, entitled the Nantucket Gazette. 
This was the first paper published on the island. It did 
not receive the expected patronage, and after a short time 
it was discontinued. 



212 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET, 

In the 11th month, the hghthouse on Great Point 
was destroyed by fire. The year following, a new one 
of stone was erected by the government. 

In 1817, two years after the war, its effects in some 
respects were more severely felt than during its existence. 
The people generally, and particularly the poo.-er classes, 
were more distressed for want of the necessaries and com- 
forts of life, than when we were surrounded by the enemy. 
This may, at first view, seem paradoxical, but it can be ex- 
plained as follows : At the close of the war, merchants and 
mechanics, in their avidity to extend their business to the 
farthest limits of their means, dispossessed themselves of 
nearly all their trading capital. Long voyages, and long 
credits put their property far beyond their immediate con- 
trol. The excitement, produced by the return of peace, 
was succeeded by a season of languor. Want of employ- 
ment compelled great numbers of the laboring poor to 
call for assistance. In the early part of the winter the 
weather was extremely cold, which obstructed a great 
part of the supplies intended for the consumption of the 
inhabitants. The price of flour presently rose to seven- 
teen dollars per barrel, that of corn to two dollars per 
bushel, and there was very little of either article to be 
bought even at those prices. Beggars were now as nu- 
merous in the streets, as at any time during the revolu- 
tion. Here was a scene which called forth the spirit of 
true benevolence ; a field for all to labor in, whose hearts 
were not like adamant. With many, doubtless, the pre- 
cept of Jesus \vas carefully observed, " when thou doest 
thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee." The 
charitable hands of females, never closed and never idle, 
when the sick and the naked call for help, were now 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 213 

busily employed in administering to the necessitous. The 
refuse of the rich was by their ingenious needles convert- 
ed into comforts for the poor. The first ray of the lamp 
of life, and its last expiring glimmer, shone upon their 
ministrations. Infancy, and disease, and age, were their 
peculiar care. Still neither private beneficence nor female 
associations were sufficient to satisfy the cravings of hun- 
ger, and additional means were resorted to for affording 
sustenance to the poor. Soup being considered a cheap 
and nutritious food, an establishment was fixed upon 
where it was daily made, and where the necessitous were 
supplied free of expense, and others, if they chose, might 
buy. This establishment was kept open till spring, at 
which time business of various kinds presented, and the 
poor were enabled to contribute to their own wants. 

The whale ships now began to arrive with good voy- 
ages, and new fife was given to every branch of business. 
The merchant, the mechanic, and the day-laborer, all felt 
the change. Ship-owners began to make further advan- 
ces, by which the fleet was likely to be considerably 
increased. Candle-factories and many dwelling-houses 
were erected. How different was the situation of the 
people, now, from what it was only a few months before ! 
Then the greater part of the people were without em- 
ployment, and hundreds were dependent on charity for 
their daily bread ; now all were busy, and friends and 
connexions were daily returning home, laden with " rich 
experience " of the blessings of peace. 

Although the principal articles required in the outfits of 
ships were held at exorbitant prices, yet the price of oil 
and candles was proportionately high, so that the whaling 
business was on the whole profitable. 



214 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

A good market for considerable quantities of oil opened 
in London, and some other ports in Europe, which had 
an immediate effect on the prices in this country. The 
reason of this unexpected demand in England was the 
failure of their northern whale fishery during two succes- 
sive years. 

The value of houses and settlements, which had depre- 
ciated during the war by removals and other causes, now 
began to rise. Another species of real estate, called cows' 
commons or cow rights, which in the first year of the war 
were sold for sixty or seventy dollars each, was now 
reduced to about one third of that value. 

In the year 1819 the number of ships and vessels 
belonging to the island had increased to 

. f "P ' > in the whale fishery; 
4 brigs, ^ -' ' 

4 brigs, ) 

15 schooners, [> principally in the coasting business, 
62 sloops, 3 

The amount of tonnage of the whole was 23,565 tons. 

The success of the whale fishery at Nantucket did not 
pass unnoticed at the different seaports throughout the 
United States. The depression of commerce generally 
induced many to embark in this business. Whale ships 
were sent from New York, Long Island, New London, 
New Bedford, Cape Cod and Boston, the effect of which 
was, in a short time, to introduce into the country a 
greater quantity of oil than was demanded by the com- 
mon consumption. The same depression of commerce 
was felt in France and England, and led new adventurers 
to engage in the whale fishery in those countries. In 
England, particularly, the business increased to a great 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 215 

extent. In consequence of this, shipments abroad could 
no longer be made profitable. 

By the enumeration of the inhabitants, taken in the year 
1820, it will appear by the following table that there were 





Males. 


Females. 


Total. 


Under 10 years of age, 


875 


861 


1736 


Over 10 and under 16, 


515 


490 


1005 


Over 16 and under 26, 


709 


710 


1419 


Over 26 and under 45, 


763 


828 


1591 


Over 45, 


484 


757 


1241 




3346 


3646 


6992 


Persons of color, 






274 




7266 


Number of inhabitants in 


1810, 




6807 



Increase in 10 years, 459 

We need not attempt to account for so small an increase 
in ten years, in any other way than by reminding our 
readers of the many removals which took place during 
the war. 

The following is a statement of the number of vessels 
and tonnage belonging to Nantucket on the first of the 
9th month, 1821. 



(216) 



.2 

as 

CO 



W.S Ifi 



C^ CO lO ^ 

LO Oi o r- 



00 O GO t- 

TT Oi ^. CO 

to ^ Ci <->? 

C^ CO 






s "^ 



a; a, 



■uoiid[josr?(^ 



iz; c. 






t 

00 o 
CO 



^ 




^ 


to G^ 




00 Oi 


LO 


Tf 


CO 


OJ 


CD 


CO 


G^ 


(V 






'Ji 







■ iC-. c 

— ■•" "c ^ 



00 CO ^ Oi 
I- r^ lO 



Oi 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 217 

We have now completed, according to our design, that 
part of our work which may properly be denominated 
historical. Some subjects have been slightly touched 
upon, some wholly omitted, which might, with propriety, 
have been introduced. These, together with others of 
merely local interest, we have reserved for our Second 
Part. Our reasons for this arrangement are as follows : 
Whilst preparing our book for the press, facts have been 
presented to us, that could not be noticed at the time 
without much interruption to our labor ; and subjects of 
merely local interest seemed to demand, for convenience 
of reference, a separate place. 

It is said with some truth, that the history of our island 
presents little that is novel or interesting. The ground is 
not consecrated by deeds of chivalry : no ruined towers, 
no warlike mounds, no mouldering abbeys, nor any other 
objects meet the eye, over which the genius of romance 
will deign to preside, or to which popular superstition can 
appeal for confirmation of the strange and wonderful. No 
spot is memorable for martial acts. The soil is unstained 
with blood ; its history is that of peace. Notwithstanding 
this total want of every thing grand or terrible in the 
annals of the past, we trust that many events herein re- 
corded will be found worthy of remembrance, and we 
believe that many equally interesting are now lost forever, 
merely because they were not recorded. Tradition, it is 
true, has not been idle. Indeed we are indebted to her 
for much that we know of the settlement of our beloved 
island, and of the character, manners and occupations of 
our fathers. Bin our tradition, for the most part, deals 
in generals. It contains liitle to diversify the dull mono- 
tony of the j)eaceable settlement of a few enterprising 



218 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

families, and their slow progress in wealth and numbers, 
from the commencement down to tlie present moment. 
We look, almost in vain^ for those apostroj)hes which en- 
liven history, those little events which have their begin- 
ning, their middle, and end, within the narrow compass of 
a few years or months, without being attended with any 
consequences that can influence succeeding time. Yet 
we know that such events must have taken place. The 
nature of man has ever been the same in all a^es and 
countries. Hopes deferred, disappointed loves, and ambi- 
tious schemes defeated, expectations lively and cheering 
met by some melancholy or fatal reality, — these make the 
scene and drapery of the stage of life. They are min- 
gled with our blessings, they are the dates from which we 
mark the lapse of our individual lives. 



PART SECOND. 



CHAPTER I. 

To give our readers, who may not be familiar with a sea- 
man's life, some ideas of its vicissitudes, we insert the 
following sketches of tlie adventures of two of our whale- 
men. The whaling business is peculiarly an ocean life. 
The sea, to mariners generally, is but a highway over 
which they travel to foreign markets ; but to the whaler 
it is his field of labor, it is the home of his business. The 
Nantucket whaleman, when with his family, is but a visiter 
there. He touches at foreign ports merely to procure 
recruits to enable him to prosecute his voyage ; he touches 
at home merely long enough to prepare for a new voyage. 
He is in the bosom of his family weeks, on the bosom of 
the ocean years. His youth, and strength, and best man- 
hood, are all devoted to a life of tedious labor and great 
peril. His boyhood anticipates such a life, and aspires 
after its highest responsibilities; his age delights in recount- 
ing its incidents. We read, and sometimes, perhaps, 
dwell with delight on the daring exploits of those whom 
the world calls heroes; and in proportion to the victims 



220 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

sacrificed on the altar of ambition, we attribute glory and 
honor to the victor. Alas ! what is bloodshed but mur- 
der ; what are the pretences of war but words ; what its 
dire effects but cold-blooded, purchased butchery. For 
deeds of true valor, done without brutal excitement, but 
in the honest and lawful pursuit of the means of livelihood, 
we may safely point to the life of a whaleman, and dare 
the whole world to produce a parallel. The widow and 
orphan mourn not over his success, oppression and tyranny 
follow -not in his paths. No; his wife and his children 
reap the reward of his toils and dangers, society is enriched 
by them, and his prosperity is his country's honor. 

Captain Benjamin Worth has given us, by our request, 
the following statement of his adventures. 

"I began to follow the sea in 1783, being then 15 
years of age, and continued till 1824. During this period 
of 41 years, I was a shipmaster 29 years. From the 
time w^hen I commenced going to sea till I quitted the 
business, I was at home only seven years. At the rate 
of 4 miles an hour wl«lst at sea, I have sailed more than 
1,191,000 miles ; I have visited more than 40 islands in 
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, some of them many 
times; and traversed the west coasts of North and South 
America from Baldivia, lat. 40^ S. to 59^^ N. on the N. 
W. coast, and up Christian Sound to Lynn Canal. I 
have assisted in obtaining 20,000 barrels of oil. During 
the last war I was taken by the English, in the ship 
George, and lost all I had on board. Whilst I command- 
ed a vessel, not one of my crew was killed, or even had a 
hmb broken by a whale, nor have any died of the scurvy.'' 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 221 

Statement by Capt. George W. Gardner, " I began 
to follow the sea at 13 years of age, and continued in 
that service 37 years. I was a shipmaster 21 years. I 
performed 3 voyages to the coast of Brazil, 12 to the 
Pacific Ocean, 3 to Europe, and 3 to the West Indies. 
During 37 years I was at home but 4 years and 8 months. 
There were 23,000 barrels of oil obtained by vessels 
which I sailed in. During my following the sea, from 
the best estimate I can make, I have travelled more than 
1,000,000 miles. 

'' I was taken by the English in the late war, and lost 
all the property I had with me." 

DESCRIPTION OF THE OUTFITS AND CRUISE OF A SPERM 
WHALE SHIP. 

We are indebted to an experienced and very intelligent 
whaleman for the following description of the outfits and 
cruise of a sperm whale ship. 

The class of ships built immediately after the last war 
were about 300 tons burthen ; there has, however, been 
a steady advance, our ships are now larger, better con- 
structed, and built of the best materials. The live oak 
and yellow pine, being found most durable for marine 
architecture, is brought from the southern states, and no 
expense is spared to make the ships what they ought to 
be, fit for the arduous and protracted voyages they are 
destined to perform. A fair average price of a ship, 
ready for the reception of her appropriate stores for a 
three years' voyage, is about ^22,000, and the outfits 
about $ 18,000 more. Some have sailed at a. much higher 
price, near $60,000. Many are got to sea, fitted in the 



222 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

same efficient manner for the same period of time, for 
about $'31,000, bat they are of a smaller size. The 
necessary articles put on board a ship for a sperm whale 
voyage are too numerous to mention ; it will suffice to 
name a few of the principal ones. Beef and pork, 100 
bbls. each ; 11 tons of bread, baked from superfine flour; 
80 bbls. of flour packed, for puddings, &z;c.; 1400 gallons 
of molasses; peas, beans, corn, dried apples, coffee, tea, 
chocolate, buUer, in ample quantities, and of good qual- 
ity. About 4000 barrels of new casks are made for 
each ship, from the best white oak stuff, each cask con- 
taining from three to six barrels, at the cost of about $1,50 
per barrel. These articles, togetlier with spare duck, 
cordage, &,c., make the ship quite full when she sails on 
her voyage. A ship which mans four boats, six persons 
to a boat, requires, including the number necessary to 
take care of the ship, when the boats are in pursuit of 
whales, 30 or 32 men. It may be interesting, to those 
who are not acquainted with this business, to give a brief 
account of a whale voyage, and the several duties, to- 
gether with the pay, of the [)ersons composing a ship's 
crew. 

The substance of the contract between the owners on 
the one part, and the captain, officers, and crew, on the 
other, i'^, for the former to furnish a ship and all the 
necessary outlay for the voyage, and the latter to perform 
the several duties assigned them, and to have, as a com- 
pensation, such part of oil or whatever else maybe obtain- 
ed as may he agreed upon. And in case of death or 
accident, by which any of the crew shall not be able to 
perform the whole voyage, they or their representatives 
shall draw of the proceeds in the proportion which the 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 223 

time served bears to the whole time of the voyage; thus, 
a voyage is performed in 30 montlis, a man died five 
months after the ship sailed, and before one drop of oil 
was obtained, he is entitled to one sixth part of the whole 
he would have drawn, had he continued in the ship to 
the termination of her cruise. The captain's and officers' 
lays or shares differ on account of more or less experi- 
ence, those of the men depend somewhat on the wages 
given in the merchant service. When wao;es are hioh in 
New York and Boston, it is more difficult lo procure men 
for our business. The captain's lay is generally one sev- 
enteenth part of all obtained ; the first officer's, one 
twenty-eighth part; the second officer's, one fo rty -fifth ; 
the third officer's, one sixtieth ; a boatsteerer's, from an 
eightieth to a hundied and twentieth ; and a foremast 
hand's from a hundred and twentieth to a hundred and 
eighty-fifth each. 

The ship being at sea, the company is divided into two 
watches, as in the merchanc service. On the outward 
passage, all hands are, in good weather, actively engaged 
in making the necessary preparations for taking whales. 
Two men, generally accompanied by an officer, are sta- 
tioned at the mast heads to look out for whales. They 
are relieved every two hours from sunrise to sunset. 
This is when the weather is suitable for taking whales ; 
for it is to be understood, that, even on whaling ground, 
there are many days in succession, when the weather 
prevents the pursuit of whales, if they are seen near by. 

The first ships tiiat went into the Pacific Ocean afier 
sperm whales, found them in sufficient numbers on the 
coast of Chili ; but subsequent voyagers kept advancing 
northward until they got quite to the equator. There, 



224 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

from the time of our ships first going to the Pacific, till 
the war of 1812 put a temporary stop to the business, 
they continued taking cargoes ; and the cruising ground 
was confined to the coasts of Chili and Peru, at unequal 
distances from the land, from four leagues to a hundred. 
When the business recommenced after the late war, the 
fleet constantly increasing, and the whales becoming more 
scarce, it was necessary to explore new regions. Captain 
George W. Gardner, in the ship Globe, was the first that 
steered off to the w^est. When he arrived in long. 105*^ 
to 115^ west, and lat. 5° south, he found sperm whales 
plenty, and obtained considerable oil. He had what has 
since been termed the ofi'-shore ground quite to himself; 
in two years after that time, more than fifty ships were 
cruising in the same regions ; and immense quantities of 
oil have been taken in that neighborhood. But even that 
extensive ground failed in a measure, and other places 
were sought. In 1820, Captain Joseph Allen, in the 
ship Maro, of Nantucket, sailed for the Japan coast, where 
he found sperm whales plenty. In 1821 six or seven 
ships, and in 1822 more than thirty were cruising there. 
Some seasons since that period, there have b*5en cruising 
in the North Pacific, between the coasts of New Albion 
on the east and the Japan Islands on the west, near a 
hundred ships, one third English, and the others Ameri- 
can ; and now no part of the navigable ocean has been 
left unexplored ; every sea has been visited and revisited, 
and the most remote parts have become famihar to our 
navigators. 

Most of our wdiale ships go into the Pacific by the way 
of Cape Horn ; some by the eastern route south of New 
Holland and Van Dieman's Land; oiheis, after cruising 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 225 

awhile in the Indian Ocean, in the neighborhood of Mada- 
gascar and the mouth of the Red Sea, pursue their way 
into the Pacific through the Straits of Timor, between 
New Guinea on the south, and the Pelew Islands on the 
north, touching at the Ladrone Islands, and then onward 
to the Japan coast. They there meet sl)ips, which sailed 
from home about the same time with themselves, and 
came by the way of Cape Horn. Others too meet at 
the same place, that came by the route south of New 
Holland. It must appear obvious, that our whale ships 
are exploring, in a more effectual manner than twenty 
national ships could, every part of the vast Pacific. Tliey 
have discovered many islands, reefs, and shoals, which 
navigators, sent out expressly for exploring purposes, had 
passed unseen. The captains and officers are lunarians, 
and the ships are generally furnished with chronometers. 
It is rather difficult to give a very correct idea of the 
method of taking a whale, to persons entirely unacquainted 
with the business. As soon as a whale is discovered by 
the men at mast head, the first inquiry from deck is, '' in 
what direction ? " That answered, the sails are trimmed 
according to distance, and the ship made to head as di- 
rectly for the object as possible. It is not desirable to 
approach the whale nearer than within about one mile. 
When at about that distance, the ship is stopped, and the 
boats are lowered into the water. If the whale is down, 
each boat takes the station where the officer commanding 
her believes the whale will come up. A large sperm whale 
remains under water from forty-five minutes to an hour 
and fifteen minutes. Their usual rate of going, when 
undisturbed, is about two and a half miles an hour. 
Being satisfied which w^ay the whale was headed, when 
15 



226 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

it went down, each one exercises his judgment as to where 
he thinks it will come up. There they anxiously wait ; 
when it does appear, the nearest boat pulls on (the other 
boats take a position near by) and strikes as soon as possi- 
ble, which is done by the officer in the head of the boat, who 
darts two harpoons into the whale. These harpoons, or, 
as we term them, whale irons, are attached to a line of 
280 or 300 fathoms, coiled in a tub. The effect pro- 
duced by the harpoons is various. Sometimes it pene- 
trates a vital part and kills the whale in a few minutes. 
This, however, is not often the case. The irons are not 
so much intended to kill the whale as to fasten to her. A 
more proper instrument, called a lance, is used to despatch 
the whale ; its head is much like the centre-piece in an 
eel spear, the shank is about three feet long with a socket, 
in which is fixed a pole of about eight feet. It is easily 
darted six or eight fathoms. It has a line or warp at- 
tached to it, by which it can be drawn back after being 
thrown. But it is better not to use the warp, but to go 
to the whale's side, and with your hand set the lance to 
the whale's life, and the work is done. Sometimes, im- 
mediately after the whale is struck, it stops, being severely 
hurt, and rolls, threshes, and tumbles about at a great 
rate, Vnaking the water fly in all directions. It is best to 
keep close to the suds, but not quite in it, and when she 
straightens out on the water after her paroxysm, it is a 
good time to pull up. and throw in a lance. Sometimes, 
on beioi^ struck, they descend with great rapidity, taking 
three, or four, or even five hundred fathoms of line. If 
another boat is near by, and the line is likely to be run 
from the first boat, it is knotted to a second, and some- 
times to a third, making in all eight hundred fathoms in 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 221 

one continued string. We do not think that whales de- 
scend to that depth ; considerable line is taken out when 
they are coming up. When the whale is dead, it is taken 
to the ship, which keeps at a proper distance during the 
action. The work of taking off the blubber, that part 
from which the oil is extracted, then commences. This 
is done by putting heavy tackles at the mainmast head. 
An aperture near the fin is made in the blubber, suffi- 
ciently large to admit a strong hook, which is attached to the 
winding tackles before mentioned, and the purchase is 
brought to a windlass. This is what is called raising a 
piece. After cutting what is necessary upon the head, 
as the men heave, the blubber is peeled or separated 
from the body or carcass by a sharp instrument made for 
the purpose, called a spade. When the blanket-piece, 
as it is called, is hove up to the mast head, another hole 
is made, and the strap of the other tackle is put through, 
toggilled and hove light, and the piece above cut off and 
lowered into the ship's hold between decks. The second 
tackle, now having its piece, is hove till that is at mast 
head and is relieved. Thus the w^hale is kept rolling 
until it is rolled out of its jacket, just as a person would 
haul a piece of tape from a cane, if it were wound around 
it spirally from end to end. After the whale is once 
turned round, the head is separated from the body and 
taken on board according to convenience : it generally 
produces about one third of the oil taken from the whale, 
which is much more valuable than that taken from the 
blubber of the body, as most of the spermaceti used in 
making candles comes from it. 

Sperm whales vary much in size. The cows and 
calves are generally found in slioals. Ten, twenty, and 



228 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

sometimes hundreds, constitute a school ; and, when 
discovered, some of tliem are constantly on the surface 
of the water, spouting, jumping, playing, &ic. The 
cows make from eight to forty barrels of oil. The male 
grows much larger ; and what is termed a large whale will 
yield from sixty to a hundred barrels. It is thought by 
some, that the males, or at least the most of them, about 
the third year of their age leave the cows and calves and 
gang together : and it is not uncommon to see a school 
of forty barrel whales, and so on to sixties. Sometimes 
single whales are seen of a large size. To what depth a 
sperm whale descends in search of food, (which is always 
squid,) no person, whatever his experience may have 
been, can tell. One thing is certain, that the larger the 
whale, the longer it stops under water. 

After the blubber is hoisted on board, the ship's 
company immediately proceed to boil it out, while it 
is sweet. Before sailing, there is built on deck a solid, 
substantial brick work, called a camboose, with a water- 
course beneath it, in which are set two, and sometimes 
three pots, holding from 140 to 200 gallons each, for the 
purpose of trying out the oil. The blubber, now in the 
ship's hold, called blanket-pieces, is cut into smaller parts, 
about five inches wide, and from twelve to eighteen long, 
called horse-pieces, from a piece of plank bearing that 
name. It is then minced by a tool, shaped something like 
a scythe, with a handle on each end, and is now prepared 
for the pot. After the oil is tried from the blubber, it is 
put into a large copper cooler, and thence into casks. 
When the oil is as cool as the climate will make it, the 
casks, having shrunk considerably, are coopered again, 
and put away in the hold, not to be moved again, unless 
they should leak, until the termination of the voyage. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 229 

THE RIGHT-WHALE. 

This species of whale differs materially from the 
spermaceti. The whales obtained in the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence, about the year 1761, produced from 100 to 
230 barrels of oil each. The vessels engaged in the 
right-whale fishery, at that time, were from 45 to 60 tons 
burthen, so that one, which took a whale of the largest 
size, would make a profitable voyage. The bone from 
one of these whales weighed from 2500 to 3200 pounds, 
and sold at ^1 or $1,25 per pound ; the slabs were 10 
feet in length. A stranger to the business may ask, what 
these monsters of the deep live upon, to grow to such an 
enormous size ? Their principal food is an animal of the 
fish kind, not bigger than a spider, which it resembles 
somewhat in shape : the color is of a reddish cast. It is 
called bret, and is frequently seen on the surface of the 
water in such quantities as to make a reddish appearance 
of several acres. These the whales take into their 
mouths in large quantities, and the slabs of bone serve as 
strainers to discharge the water and retain the food. 

DESCRIPTION OF A SIXTY BARREL SPERM WHALE. 

Length, 60 feet. Circumference of the largest part of 
the body, 24 feet. Distance from one point of the fluke, 
or tail, to the other, 7 feet. Length of each fin, 3^ feet. 
Length of the jaw bones, 14 feet. Number of teeth 46. 
From the spout holes or nostrils from the end of the 
nose, 10 inches. From the end of the nose to the eyes, 
14 feet. The color of the skin, similar to that of a 
common felt hat. Thickness of the skin, 1 inch. 
Thickness of the blubber, or fat on the ribs, 5 inches ; 



230 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

on the breast, 9 inches. The proportion of blubber 
is about } of the whole animal. 

The accompanying figure of a sperm whale is copied 
from Captain James Colnett's Voyage to the South 
Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. 

A. Part of the head containing liquid oil, or head 
matter. B. The spout-hole. A. B. The part of the 
head of a large whale which is too bulky and ponderous 
to be hoisted on board, it is suspended on tackles, and the 
front part being cut off, the oil is bailed out with buckets : 
but the head of a small whale is divided at the double 
line below C. C. and hoisted on deck. ■■ Where the 
tackles are fastened. D. Where the tackles are first 
hooked, wdiich is called raising a piece ; being thus 
steadied in the tackles, the head is divided at the lowest 
double line. E. A large hump of fat. F. A smaller 
hump of fat. When the whale is flinched, or peeled to 
E, it will no longer cant or turn in the tackles, it is 
therefore cut through at the first double line and also at 
G, the tail being of no value. H. The ear, which is 
remarkably small, as is also the eye from which a hollow 
or concave line runs to the fore part of the head. The 
eyes being prominent, the whale is enabled to pursue his 
prey in a direct line, and by inclining his head a little to 
the right or left, he can see his enemy astern. There is 
one row of teeth, in the lower jaw, and sockets in the 
upper, to receive them. The number of teeth depends 
on the age of the animal. When the sperm whale spouts, 
he throws the water forward and not upward, like other 
whales, except w^hen he is enraged. 

The tail is horizontal ; with it he does much mischief 
in defending himself. The ambergris is generally discov- 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 231 

ered by probing the intestines with a long pole, when the 
fish is cut in two at E. 



The difFei-ent species of whales nurse their young as 
cows do their calves. The age, at which the young are 
weaned, is probably 12 months. Whales have no means 
of carrying their young, to preserve them from danger. 
When attacked by a school of killers, a species of whale 
not larger than a sperm whale 2 months old, they stop 
entirely, and lay like logs on the water; then the calves 
collect between the cows and run their heads as far out 
of water as they can. When whales are frightened, they 
go as fast as their calves can swim, and no faster. Cows 
and calves associate very freely together. There is a 
marked difference in the spoutings of different species of 
whales. A sperm whale has but one spout hole, and 
throws the spout forward at an elevation of about 45 de- 
grees. It is much thicker, and does not go as high as that 
of most other whales. A right-whale has 2 spout holes 
about 18 feet from ihe nose, and consequently much nearer 
the lungs : the spout is thrown nearly perpendicularly, 
widening as it rises. The fin-back has 2 spout holes ; yet 
the spout often rises in one jet, so as to cause it to be some- 
times mistaken for the spout of a spermaceti : and the 
same may be observed of the humpbacks. Some wdiales 
appear more vicious than others. It rarely occurs, that 
they show a disposition to act on the defensive. No 
rules can be given for the management of a whale which 
shows a disposition to attack a boat. All must be left to 
the judgment and courage of the officer. 



232 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

The sagacity of sperm whales is in no way so remark- 
ably manifested, as in the instantaneous knowledge they 
possess when one of their number is struck and wounded, 
at a distance of two, three and even four miles apart. 
Whether they receive this knowledge by sight or sound, 
we" shall not pretend to say. When a whale is struck, 
those around, and feeding undisturbed, sometimes in- 
stantly, as with one accord, make the best of their way 
towards the wounded whale, which gives the boats that 
are disengaged a fine opportunity to fasten. At other 
times, they will collect in a body, and go in a contrary 
direction, as fast as possible, to all appearance much 
frightened. Sperm whales migrate far and wide. Ships 
cruise on the coasts of Pern and Chili from ten to one 
hundred leagues from land. It has often been observed, 
that both the in and off-shore vessels are sometimes doing 
nothing, and at other times are all engaged. Where the 
whales are in the interim, none can tell. 

Instances can be cited of whales having been struck, 
and making their escape in the Atlantic Ocean, being 
afterwards taken in the Pacific, with the heads of har- 
poons in them bearing the marks of ships known to have 
been cruising to the east of Cape Horn. Whales are 
not easily driven away from their feeding-ground by ships. 
Ships passing the Cape of Good Hope, Vandieman's 
Land, and Cape Horn, frequently see whales making 
their passages. 

PROGRESS OF THE WHALE FISHERY AT NANTUCKET. 

[From the Historical Society's Collection.] 

Whale fishery originated at Nantucket in the year 
1690, in boats from the shore. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET, 233 

1715. 6 sloops, 38 tons burthen, obtained 
about 600 barrels of oil, and 11,000 
pounds of bone. Value £1,100 

1730. 25 sail, from 38 to 50 tons, obtained 
annually about 3,700 barrels, at £7 
per ton. 3,200 

1748. 60 sail, from 50 to 75 tons, obtained 

11,250 barrels, at £14. 19,648 

1756. 80 sail, 75 tons, obtained 12,000 bar- 
rels at £18. 27,600 

1768. 70 sail, 75 tons, obtained 10,500 bar- 
rels, at £18. 23,600 
N. B. Lost ten sail, taken by the 
French, and foundered. 

1770. 120 sail, from 75 to 110 tons, obtained 

18,000 barrels, at £40. 100,000 

150 sail, from 90 to 180 tons, upon the 
coast of Guinea, Brazil, and the 
West Indies, obtained annually 30,- 
000 barrels, which sold in the Lon- 
don market, at £44 to £45 sterling. 167,000 
N. B. 2,200 seamen employed in the 
fishery, and 220 in the London trade. 

1783. 7 sail to Brazil, from 100 to 150 

tons, obtained 2,100 

5 to the coast of Guinea 600 

7 to the West Indies 560 



From 
1772. 

to 
1775. 



At £40 per ton 2,260 16,280 
N. B. No duty exacted in London. 
1784. 12 to Brazil, obtained • 4,000 

5 to the coast of Guinea 400 



234 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

11 to the West Indies 1,000 



At £23 to £24 5,400 14,500 

N. B. The price fell by the exaction 
of a duty in London of £18 3s 
sterling per ton. 
1785. Now at sea, 
8 to Brazil. 

2 to the coast of Guinea. 
5 to the West Indies. 
Before the war, there were annually manufactured in 1 
Nantucket, 380 tons spermaceti candles.^ 



' This state of the whale fishery in Nantucket was written in the 
year 1785. 



( 235 ) 



PRODUCE OF THE WHALE FISHERY 

Carried on at JVantucket, hehveen the years 1804 and 1834 
inclusive. 



Oil. 


Whalebone. 


Spermaceti. 


Whale. 


Body. 


Head. 






Barrels. 


Barrels. 


Barrels. 


Pounds. 


4730 


2665 


6718 


46690 


5459 


2034 


4507 


13131 


7701 


3084 


15954 


86544 


7914 


3235 


13959 


72784 


5602 


2105 


10503 


49970 


6641 


2695 


7256 


17092 


5117 


2130 


7929 


41437 


15355 


6745 


6377 


43200 


5116 


2475 


2230 


6266 


774 


359 


2567 


9901 


1146 


498 


83 




636 


284 


138 




1550 


682 


2700 


796 


15401 


6813 


5771 


19444 


10496 


4378 


13426 


65446 


12901 


5621 


11511 


62403 


11884 


5027 


11736 


59794 


16196 


6719 


8632 


38092 


19392 


8009 


5407 


3197 


25260 


10803 


3808 


20243 


29355 


11875 


4322 


22063 


22795 


8985 


7194 


39596 


11373 


4951 


2402 


16002 


19529 


8441 


583 


5152 


30130 


13044 


1033 


8662 


23334 


10159 


8576 


76808 


24509 


11504 


7758 


67508 


27954 


13335 


8568 


83206 


21193 


9695 


16364 


155379 


19965 


9546 


5422 


49429 , 


14170 


6347 


4747 


37137 



236 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



LOSS OF A SCHOONER AND SLOOP, THE FORMER COM- 
MANDED BY PELEG SWAIN, THE LATTER BY 
DAVID SQUIRES. 

These two vessels left Nantucket in company, in 1774, 
bound on a whaling voyage to the coast of Africa. 
Having taken their depaiture from Sancota Head, the 
weaither being pleasant, the men were mostly below, 
when the cry of breakers alarmed both crews. A boat's 
crew from the sloop attempted to carry out an anchor, 
with a faint hope that they might get the vessel off the 
shoal, but the sea ran so high as to compel them to drop 
the anchor under the bows. The boat was carried over 
the shoal, and, not being able to regain the sloop, the 
crew made the best of their way for the shore,, but, as 
the weather was pleasant, they came round the point and 
landed in tlie harbor. A vessel was immediately sent to 
the relief of those in peril, which returned the next day, 
without making any discoveries. The shoal, called the 
Great Rip, wiiere the vessels were stranded, is about 15 
miles from the east end of the island. There was some 
hope that the remaining crews might be saved ; and 
accordingly a large number of the inhabitants traversed 
the shore, and kept a constant look out. 

The quarter-deck of the sloop departed from the body 
of the vessel nearly whole. The crew, 13 in number, 
got upon it, and exerted themselves to gain the shore. 
Their only provisions consisted of a jug of rum and 
about three quarters of a barrel of flour. At dawn of 
day they reached the S. E. part of the island, whence 
they travelled to Siasconset. The crew of the schooner 
did not fare so well. Their boats being dashed to pieces, 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 231 

they made a raft of spars, and, without provisions of any- 
kind, with paddles and pieces of board, attempted to gmn 
the shore. With unremitted labor, they got within a short 
distance of Siasconset in the evening of the same day, on 
which the other crew landed. The tide was sweeping 
them by, undiscovered by the people of the village. They 
then hallooed with their united voices many times, at 
length they were heard and responded to. A boat was 
immediately sent off, which took them from their perilous 
situation and brought them on shore, exhausted wuth 
fatigue and hunger. But for the fine weather they must 
have inevitably perished. This occurrence is remembered 
by many aged people of the island, and it has been the 
theme of more than one poet, yet the name of neither of 
the vessels is recorded in memory or verse. 

NARRATIVE OF THE LOSS OF THE SHIP UNION. 

The ship Union, of Nantucket, Edmund Gardner^ 
master, took her departure from Nantucket Point on the 
19th of the 9th month, 1807, bound, on a whaling voyage, 
to the coast of Brazil. Nothing material occurred until 
the 1st of the 10th month. At 10 o'clock, P. M., of that 
day, they had a brisk breeze from the N. W. with a high 
swell, and were sailing at the rate of seven miles an hour, 
when the ship struck on a whale. The shock was tre- 
mendous. Tiie blow was on the starboard bow, ten or 
twelve feet from the stem, and seven below the wale. 
Their astonishment, at this sudden accident, cannot be 
described. But a moment before, they were pursuing 
their course with cheerful hearts and a prospect of a fine 
mn. Now they found themselves in a sinking condition, 
with a long and darksome night before them. 



238 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

From tlie tafFerel the captain saw the whale spout, 
whereby he ascertained that it was a spermaceti. The 
whole crew were immediately summoned on deck. Some 
were directed to take in sails, others to work at the 
pumps ; but it was soon discovered that the ship was in 
danger of sinking. She was then hove to, in a situation 
that she would lay in with the least motion, and the 
pumps continually kept going. In order to examine the 
ship, and, if possible, to find the extent of the injury, they 
hoisted their casks out of the hold, and cast them over- 
board. 

The captain then went into the hold, with a lantern and 
axe, and, with such assistance as was needed, succeeded, 
after much difficulty, in finding a part of the wound ; 
which appeared to be one streak of the ceiling and two 
timbers broken. It was evident that nothing could be 
done to save the ship ; for it was reasonable to conclude 
that the worst part of the injury was not in sight. Al- 
though both pumps were kept going, the water increased 
in the hold, and very soon got above the wound. 

Being now convinced that his whole attention should 
be directed to the safety of the crew, the captain gave 
orders to prepare to leave the ship ; and with this view 
the boats were got in readiness. The people willingly 
subjected themselves to the directions of the captain and 
officers, and with alacrity obeyed their commands as 
before the disaster. The boats were lowered into the 
water, and every article likely to be needed, such as 
bread, water, fireworks, books and nautical instruments, 
was put on board. At midnight the water had got up 
between decks, and it was necessary to leave the ship 
immediately. Tiiis was effected with great difficulty and 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 239 

hazard. In an hour after leaving the ship they saw her 
upset. They left the ship in three boats, but finding it 
difficult to keep together, which was considered most 
advisable, they thought it best, for the safety of the whole, 
to discharge one boat, and for the crew, sixteen in num- 
ber, to divide themselves, and man but two boats. This 
was done, and eventually proved advantageous. The 
captain was a young man, and this was the first voyage 
under his command : yet his prudence, courage, and for- 
titude, and the cooperation of his officers, were efi^ectual 
in preserving good order, and in encouraging the crew to 
use their best exertions for the common safety. 

The weather being very rough, they kept before the 
wind until morning, when it became more moderate. 
They concluded to keep an easterly course, and endeavor 
to reach one of the Azores, or western islands. The 
prevailing N. W. winds were favorable to this determina- 
tion. The island of Newfoundland was probably the 
nearest land, at the time of leaving the wreck, but the 
season of the year and the prevailing winds, as before 
stated, rendered it plainly imprudent to attempt to reach 
that island. The following morning they made a sail for 
each boat, with which they were enabled to pursue their 
course with greater speed and less fatigue than by rowing. 
The same day at 10 A. M. they discovered a schooner 
to the northward of them, which for a moment cheered 
their despondency, but they soon found that they could 
not reach her, as the wind blew strong from the N. W. 
They were now in lat. 38f> 40' N. long. 41 « 52' W. 

On the day following they had a brisk breeze, with the 
help of which they pursued their course with cheerful- 
ness ; but at 8 P. M. the wind increased, so that they 



240 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

could not run. The weather became squally, with fre- 
quent and heavy peals of thunder. The wind soon 
increased to a gale. They could do nothing but lay to. 
Their only hope for safety rested on that Power who 
commands the waves and holds the winds in his hands. 
Their situation was critical, and they were not without 
strong apprehensions that they should not survive the 
night. In this condition they were dismayed by the 
breaking of a sea into the captain's boat. With some 
difficulty the boat was cleared. To prevent, if possible, 
the like recurrence, they were driven to the necessity of 
discharging a great part of their fresh water, and all their 
clothing, except what they wore, to lighten the boat. In 
order to keep the boats as near together as was prudent, 
a line thirty fathoms in length was attached to' the head 
of one and the stern of the other. In this situation they 
lay till morning, which was more than they expected, 
viewing their situation, in the open sea, during a heavy 
gale, depending on boats made of cedar boards not ex- 
ceeding half an inch in thickness. But through the favor 
of God tliey were rescued from a watery grave. In the 
morning the wind abated and the sea became smooth. 
The wind shifted from S. W. to N. N. W. the weather 
became pleasant, and they had an opportunity to dry 
their clothes. They had been drenched with rain almost 
the whole time since they left the wreck, which kept 
them very uncomfortable and cold. At meridian lat. 
390 4' ]>f^ iQ„g^ 400 ^^ Their enjoyment of pleasant 
weather was of short duration. The followin": night the 
wind increased until it became a dangerous gale, which 
prevented their pursuing their course, and rendered it 
necessary to lash their boats together and let them drift. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 241 

Their water was now so nearly exhausted, that they were 
obliged to submit to the close allowance of three quarts 
to be divided between sixteen men for twenty-four hours. 
Their bread was also nearly spent, so that one cake was 
the portion of each man for the same length of time. Lat. 
390 19' N. long. 390 5' W. 

The succeeding twenty-four hours they had a strong 
breeze from N. N. W. and squally weather. At 3 
o'clock -A. M. they lay to until 6 A. M., then set their 
sails and steered east. Lat. at noon, 39<^ 40' N. long. 
36^ 35' W. During three succeeding days they had 
moderate breezes from the north, and continued their 
course east without meeting any thing remarkable. At 
the end of that time they found their lat. 39^ 40' N. long. 
31^35' W. 

On the 8th, at 4 P. M., to their unspeakable joy they 
saw the island of Flores, one of the Azores, bearing from 
E. by S. to S. E. At 8 P. M. they got under the lee 
of the land. The wind was now N. E. and the weather 
very squally. At 9 A. M. they landed at St. Cruz, the 
principal town on the island of Flores. Their water was 
now wholly exhausted. They had been at sea seven 
days and eight nights, and had rowed or sailed nearly six 
hundred miles. 

The people of the island received the sufferers with 
hospitality and kindness. The governor of the island and 
the vice consul of the United States provided houses for 
them, and every thing necessary for their comfort, free of 
expense. As the captain had several times before been 
there, the governor immediately knew him on seeing him, 
and took him by the hand with that cordiality which 
characterizes the gentleman. They left the island for 
16 



242 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

the United States on the 27th of 1st month 1808. The 
crew were Edmund Gardner, Captain^ Barnabas Russell, 
David Bunker, Roland Hussey, Charles Folger, Linzee 
Coffin, David Cleveland, William Morris, Samuel Peters, 
and seven others, strangers to Nantucket. 

LOSS OF THE SHIP ESSEX. 

A very interesting narrative of the loss of this ship, and 
the consequent sufferings of the crew, was published a 
few years since, which we recommend to the perusal of 
our readers. In the following account we shall confine 
ourselves to only a few of the events consequent to the 
singular accident, which occasioned the loss of the Essex. 

The ship Essex, Captain George Pollard, sailed from 
Nantucket, 12th of 8th month, 1819, on a whaling voyage 
to the Pacific Ocean. Her crew consisted of 21 men, 14 
of whom were whites, mostly belonging to Nantucket, the 
remainder were blacks. On the 20th of the 11th month, 
1820, in lat. 0° 40' S. Ion. 119« W. a school of whales 
was discovered, and in pursuing them the mate's boat 
was stove, which obliged him to return to the ship, when 
they commenced repairing the damage. The captain 
and 2d mate were left with their boats pursuing the 
whales. During this interval the mate discovered a large 
spermaceti whale near the ship, but, not suspecting the 
approach of any danger, it gave them no alarm, until 
they saw the whale coming with full speed towards them. 
In a moment they v/ere astonished by a tremendous 
crash. The whale had struck the ship a little forward of 
the fore chains. It was some minutes before the crew 
could recover from their astonishment, so far as to ex- 
amine, whether any damage had been sustained. They 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 243 

then tried their pumps, and found that the ship was sink- 
ing. A signal was immediately set for the boats. The 
whale now appeared again making for the ship, and, 
coming with great velocity, with the water foaming 
around him, he struck the ship a second blow, which 
nearly stove in her bows. There was now no hope of 
saving the ship, and the only course to be pursued was, 
to prepare to leave her with all possible haste. They 
collected a few things, hove them into the boat and 
shoved off. The ship immediately fell upon one side 
and sunk to the water's edge. When the captain's and 
2d mate's boats arrived, such was the consternation, that 
for some time not a word was spoken. The danger of 
their situation at length aroused them, as from a terrific 
dream, to a no less terrific reality. They remained by 
the wreck two or three days, in which time they cut 
away the masts, which caused her to right a little. Holes 
were then cut in the deck, by which means they obtained 
about 600 pounds of bread, and as much water as they 
could take, besides other articles likely to be of use to 
them. On the 22d of 11th month, they left the ship, 
with as gloomy a prospect before them as can well be 
imagined. The nearest land v/as about 1,000 miles to 
the windward of them ; they were in open boats, weak 
and leaky, with a very small pittance of bread and water 
for the support of so many men, during the time they 
must necessarily be at sea. Sails had been prepared for 
the boats, before leaving the ship, which proved of mate- 
rial benefit. They steered southerly by the wind, hoping 
to fall in with some ship, but in this they were disap- 
pointed. After being in their boats 28 days, experiencing 
many sufferings by gales of wind, want of water, and 



244 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

scanty provisions, they arrived at Ducie's Island, in lat, 
24° 40' S. Ion. 124^ 40' W. where they were disappointed 
in not finding a sufficiency .of any kind of food for so 
large a company to subsist on. Their boats being very 
weak and leaky, they were hauled on shore and repaired. 
They found a gentle spring of fresh water, flowing out of 
a rock at about half ebb of the tide, from which they 
filled their kegs. Three of the men chose to stay on 
the island, and take their chance for some vessel to take 
them off. 

On the 27th of the 12th month, they left this island, 
and steered for Easter Island ; but passed it far to the lee- 
ward. They then directed their course for Juan Fernan- 
dez, which was about twenty-five hundred miles E. S. E. 
from them. On the 10th of 1st month, 1821, Matthew 
P. Joy, the 2d mate, died, and his body was launched 
into the deep. His constitution was slender, and it was 
supposed that his sufferings, though great, were not the 
immediate cause of his death. On the 12th, the mate's 
boat separated from the other two, and did not fall in 
with them afterwards. The situation of the mate and 
his crew, became daily more and more distressing. The 
weather was mostly calm, the sun hot and scorching. 
They were growing weaker and weaker by want of food, 
and yet, such was their distance from land, they were 
obliged to lessen their allowance nearly one half. On 
the 20th, a black man died. On the 28th, they found, 
on calculation, that their allowance, only one and a half 
ounce of bread per day to a man, would be exhausted in 
fourteen days ; and that this allowance was not sufficient 
to sustain fife. They therefore determined to extend the 
indulgence, and take the consequence, whether to live or 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 245 

die. On the 8th of the 2d month, another of the crew 
died. From this time to the 17th, their sufferings were 
extreme. At 7 o'clock A. M. of that day, they were 
aroused from a lethargy by the cheering cry of the steers- 
man, ^^ there's a sail." The boat was soon descried by 
the vessel, the brig Indian, Captain Grozier, of London, 
which shortened sail and took them on board, lat. 33*^ 
45 S. Ion. 81^ 3' W. They were treated by Captain 
Grozier with all the care and tenderness, which their 
weak condition required. On the same day they made 
Massafuero, and on the 25th arrived at Valparaiso. 

Captain Pollard and Charles Ramsdell, the only sur- 
vivors in the captain's boat, were taken up on the 23d of 
the 2d month, 1821, by the ship Dauphin, of Nantucket, 
Captain Zimri Coffin, in lat. 37^^ S. off St. Mary's. " The 
captain relates, that, after the mate's boat was separated 
from the others, they made what progress their weak 
condition would permit, towards the island of Juan Fer- 
nandez ; but contrary winds and calm weather, together 
with the extreme debility of the crew, prevented their 
making much progress. On the 29th of the 1st month, 
the 2d mate's boat separated from the captain's in the 
night, at which time their provisions were wholly ex- 
hausted, since which they have not been heard from. 

We shall not attempt a sketch of the sufferings of the 
crews of these boats. Imagination may picture the hor- 
rors of their situation, and the extremes to which they 
were driven to sustain life, but no power of the imagina- 
tion can heighten the dreadful reality. 

The following is an account of the whole crew. 

In the captain's boat two survived, viz : Captain Pol- 
lard and Charles Ramsdell. In the mate's boat three 



246 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

survived, viz : Owen Chase, the mate, Benjamin Law- 
rence, and Thomas Nickerson. Left on Ducie's Island 
and afterwards taken off, Seth Weeks, Wilham Wright, 
and Thomas Chappie. One left the ship before the ac- 
cident. Tn the second mate's boat, when separated from 
the captain's, three. Dead nine, which added to the 
second mate's crew, doubtless lost, makes total deaths 
twelve. 

LOSS OF THE SHIP HENRY. 

The ship Henry, Isaac Gardner, master, on the 27th 
7th month, 1813, being on her return from the Pacific 
Ocean with a cargo of oil, when within a few days sail of 
the island of Nantucket, in lat. 38® N. Ion. 69® W. ex- 
perienced a terrible gale of wind. While lying to, the 
wind struck her so forcibly, that all three of her masts 
were carried away together. The upper deck was torn 
up, and every man swept overboard except the two 
mates, who were at the time in the run of the ship, where 
they were both drowned. Of those who were swept 
overboard all succeeded in getting back to the ship, ex- 
cept one black man. 

The ship immediately sunk to the water's edge, having 
no part clear of the water except the bowsprit, on which 
the crew were obliged to take refuge. The next day 
the captain was swept off and lost. Nine were now left, 
with very little prospect of continuing long. The sea 
frequently washed over them, rendering their situation 
uncomfortable as well as dangerous. They could get but 
little provision or water out of the ship. Their sufferings 
were extreme, they were exposed at times to the scorch- 
ing rays of the sun, and at times to cold. They died one 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 247 

after another till only five remained, who, after the expi- 
ration of forty days, were taken off the wreck by a cartel 
ship from England. 

LOSS OF THE SHIP COMMERCE. 

Very little can be said of the loss of this ship, as the 
crew all perished with her. 

In the 6th month of 1806, the ship Commerce, Jesse 
Bunker, master, was spoken on her homeward bound pas- 
sage, near the line, with a cargo of oil. Soon afterwards 
there was a heavy gale of wind, in which it is supposed 
the ship was lost. About the same time a number of 
casks of oil and some other articles were seen floating on 
the water, which were thought to have come out of her. 

LOSS OF A boat's CREW ON NANTUCKET BAR. 

This melancholy event happened on the 1st of 1st 
month, 1782. Captain Robert Barker, commander of a 
brig lying without the bar of the harbor, bound to Vir- 
ginia, on the morning of the above-mentioned day, invited 
a number of his intimate friends to spend a day on board 
with him. Seven in number, accepting his invitation, left 
the wharf with him in a whale boat. The weather was 
cold, and the wind, blowing strong from the N. W. caused 
a heavy sea on the bar. These circumstances occasioned 
some anxiety for their safety. Every movement of the 
boat was carefully watched by the friends of those on 
board of her. The company pursued their course with 
safety, until they attempted to cross the bar ; then the 
boat was seen to upset. The distance from the shore 
being about two miles, every motion was observed. 
Some of the company were not seen after the accident, 



248 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Others clung to the boat awhile, but were soon, one by 
one, washed off into a watery grave. As soon as it was 
discovered that the boat had upset, two boats went to 
their relief. It was hoped that those in peril would be 
able to cling to their boat, until they had drifted across 
the bar. But this hope was fallacious. 

The bodies of most of those who perished were found 
in the following spring. We shall introduce, hereafter, 
among some specimens of our island poetry, an elegy 
written on this mournful occasion. 

LOSS OF THE SHIP GENERAL LINCOLN. 

The ship General Lincoln, Shubael Chase, master, 
sailed from Nantucket on the 21st 9th month, 1818, on 
a whaling voyage to the coast of Brazil. Six days after 
sailing, being in lat. 39^ 30' N. Ion. 45^ W. a heavy 
gale was experienced from S. S. E. to E. S. E., and 
continued through the night. At 8 o'clock in the 
morning the gale abated, and a calm very soon ensued, 
but a heavy and dangerous swell continued. The calm 
continued but about 15 minutes, when the wind sprung 
up from the w^estward, and very soon became a perfect 
hurricane. The swell was of mountain height. The 
ship was soon thrown on her beam ends. Her total loss 
seemed inevitable. Although it was day, the vapor and 
spray made it almost as dark as night. The roaring of 
the wind, not unlike that of heavy thunder, rendered it 
almost impossible to understand language. In this des- 
perate situation, attempts were made to clear the ship of 
some of her spars, which were finally successful, and she 
righted. They soon afterwards shipped a sea, by which 
six men were washed overboard, three of whom were 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 249 

saved, the others lost. The decks were swept of nearly 
every valuable article. After the gale had abated, they 
set the pumps to work and cleared the ship of water. 
Although a mere wreck, they concluded to stay by her, 
and attempt to get her into some port. But they could 
make but little sail, and the weather proved very unfavor- 
able. Falling in with the brig Telegraph, Captain Hill, 
of Providence, they took a few things from the ship and 
put them on board that vessel, and themselves took 
passage with him. 

LOSS OF THE SHIP TWO BROTHERS. 

The ship Two Brothers, George Pollard, Jr.,' master, 
sailed from Nantucket 26th 11th month, 1821, on a 
whaling voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Nothing took 
place worthy of remark on the passage round Cape Horn, 
nor in the subsequent part of their voyage, till the night 
of 11th of 2d month, 1823, when cruising near lat. 24^ 
9' N. Ion. 167° 30' W., the ship struck on a reef of 
rocks. It was presently found, that the ship leaked 
badly, and was beating to pieces. The water flowed in 
so fast, as to render the pumps entirely useless. Not- 
withstanding the darkness of the night, it was necessary 
to leave the ship immediately, which they did in two . 
boats, only fifteen minutes after she struck. Half an 
hour after the ship was left, not a vestige of her was 



^ Captain Pollard, on his voyage immediately preceding this, was 
master of the ship Essex, of the loss of which we have already given 
an account. Though singularly unfortunate as a sailor, he enjoys 
tliat which is more valuable than any other worldly consideration, 
a good name, and the esteem of his fellow-citizens. 



250 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

visible. The crew, twenty-one in number, now found 
themselves confined in two boats, with very little to 
subsist on. In this forlorn situation, surrounded by rocks 
and shoals, they passed the night, during which the boats 
unintentionally separated. At day-light the next morn- 
ing, their eyes were met with breakers as far as any 
thing could be discerned. At sunrise they were cheered 
by the sight of a ship to the southward of them, 
towards which they steered their course. At 11 o'clock, 
A. M., to their great joy, they got on board the ship, 
which proved to be the Martha, Captain John H. Pease, 
of Nantucket. About noon the other boat was in sight, 
and soon came along side. The crew of this boat stated, 
that they had landed on one of the islands in the vicinity 
of the reefs, where they found sea elephants and one 
green turtle. They were treated with great kindness by 
Captain Pease. The Martha, after this, made the best 
of her way to the Sandwich Islands, and anchored at 
Woahee on the 29th, and on the 21st of the month 
following, left that port for America. 

LOSS OF THE SHIP LADY ADAMS. 

This ship sailed from Nantucket, 3d month, 1822, on 
a whaling voyage to the Pacific Ocean. By the last 
accounts from her, dated 7th month, 1823, she was on the 
coast of Japan with 800 barrels of oil. She is supposed 
to have taken fire and burnt. A great light was seen by 
an English ship, soon after the date above-mentioned, in 
the latitude and longitude where the Lady Adams proba- 
bly was at the time. The following are the names of 
the Nantucket persons on board. Charles B. Toby, 
master, Fordom Pease, mate, Robert G. Coleman, 2d 
mate, Frederick A. Riddell, cooper, Peter Morse, boy. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 251 



LOSS OF SHIP LYDIA. 

The ship Lydia, Edward Joy, master, sailed on the 
18th 11th month, 1833, on a whaling voyage in the 
Pacific Ocean. Nothing remarkable occurred before the 
31st of 1st month, 1835, when in lat. 11<^ 15' S. Ion. 84° 
80^ W., the ship was discovered to be on fire. The fire 
increased so rapidly, that all attempts to extinguish it 
were unavailing. The crew left the ship in three boats 
about one and a half hour after the alarm, having saved 
but very few things ; and in about one and a half hour 
got on board the bark Washington, of Hudson, William 
Clark, master, and went into Payta. 

The fire was first discovered issuing out of the steerage 
hatchway, about six feet from the main hatchway, be- 
tween decks. The ship had on board 400 barrels of oiL 

LOSS OF THE SHIP FRANKLIN. 

This ship, George Prince, master, sailed from Nan- 
tucket on a whaling voyage in the Pacific Ocean, 6th 
month, 27th, 1831. Her cruise, up to the time of her final 
loss, was an almost unbroken series of misfortunes. Soon 
after leaving, one of the crew, William L. Bunker, fell 
from the loft and was laid up two months. 11th month, 
]5th, 1831, another hand, Frederick G. Whippy, fell from 
mizzen-top-gallant-head and broke both legs. He was 
left on board the sloop of war Falmouth at Gallao. At the 
same time a black man was landed, sick with consump- 
tion ; he died soon afterwards. About the middle of 2d 
month succeeding, a boat, fast to a whale, was carried 
down, and two men, probably entangled with the line, were 
drowned. In 2d month, 1833, a native of the Sandwich 



252 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Islands fell from the loft and was killed. In 5th month 
of the same year, the ship went into Callao, where a man, 
John Robson, a native of Massachusetts, was shipped : 
he had the fever-and-ague at the time. He died of the 
scurvy about four months afterwards. While the Franklin 
was at Callao, a man was shipped as boatsteerer ; on the 
I2th of 8th month he was carried out of the boat by a line 
and lost. At Hood's Island the mate strained himself 
while getting terrapins. He never was well afterwards, 
and finally died 3d of 6th month, 1834, off Cape Horn, 
on the homeward bound passage. About five days after- 
wards, the captain and steward died both on the same day. 
The steward's name was Eben Kelton. About four days 
after this William L. Bunker died, and in a few days 
from that time, Michael Norman, an Irishman ; and on 
the 30th of 6th month, Charles Thompson, a colored 
man, also died, all of the scurvy. On the 3d of 7th 
month the ship came to anchor in Maldonado harbor, 
mouth of tbe river La Plata. On the same day another 
of the crew, Christian Wing, died of the scurvy. On 
coming to anclior the crew that remained were so worn 
with sickness and fatigue, that they were not able to furl 
tlieir sails, which was done by the assistance of the 
crew of a French ship, who also generously assisted to 
get the ship up to Monte Video. A new mate and some 
hands were shipped there, and the Franklin sailed thence 
on the 12th of 8th month. After much bad weather, on 
tlie night of the 5th of 10th month, she ran ashore on 
the reef Diego Roderiquez, on the coast of Brazil, about 
45 miles from the harbor of Macceio. All hands and 
about one third of her cargo were saved. The ship 
immediately bilged and went to pieces in about ten days. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 253 

VESSELS LOST SINCE THE SETTLEMENT OF THE ISLAND, 

The whole number of vessels lost, exclusive of cap- 
tures, since the settlement of the island, is 168. Of 
tliese 78 were sloops, 31 schooners, 18 brigs, and 41 
ships. Loss of lives four hundred and fourteen. Among 
this great number of shipwTecks, there are some cases as 
remarkable, perhaps, as any above narrated. Our limits 
will not allow us to dwell longer on this interesting, 
though melancholy subject. 



The following proposal to transfer the w^haling business 
of Nantucket to France \vill, w^e think, be read with in- 
terest. The time has long gone by, when the publication 
would excite any political feelings hostile to the French 
government ; and we insert it without comment, as it 
contains within itself ahuost all that is known respecting 
the transaction. 

DuNKERQUE, 10th March, 1786. 
Captain Shubael Gardner. 

The present distressed situation of your worthy breth- 
ren, the inhabitants of the Island of Nantucket, occa- 
sioned not only by their unmerited suffering during the 
late war, and by the late act of the British government, 
which imposes a duty on all foreign oil equivalent to a 
prohibition, obliging a great many of the sufferers to 
quit their natif-spot and remove to some other country, 
where their industry may meet its due reward, has 
created ii* me the idea to procure them an azilum in 
my own country, where they may not pnly find an 
alleviation of their misfortunes and recuperate their 
losses, but also where they may expect that comfort 



254 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

and protection due to their honest principles. Anxious 
to accomphsh an object, in which I am moved by no 
other motif than that of humanity, and a desire of 
offering a friendly hand to a set of people who in my 
opinion greatly deserve the assistance of all men who 
can be instrumental in contributing to the welfare of their 
fellow-creatures, has induced me, after a mature conversa- 
tion with you on so laudable an object, to make an appli- 
cation to this government in their behalf, and to make 
use of all the interest with the king's ministers I was 
capable off, to make such proposals as were penned by 
our friend William Rotch, and which you delivered me in 
his name on your arrival from London in November last. 
I think it needless to repeat here the exertions I have 
made, as well by my correspondence as by word of mouth, 
during the time we were together at Paris, as you was 
personally present, and of which you shall be able to give 
an exact account. Through the assistance of Providence, 
my exertions have met with a success far exceeding my 
sanguine expectations. Every article which I thought 
capable of contributing to the welfare and happiness of 
those inhabitants, who would choose to remove to the 
town of Dunkerque, has been granted. I here join a 
faithful translation of the articles, which I request, on 
your arrival at Nantucket, you will communicate, with 
all the prudence you are capable of, to the selectmen of 
the island, and acquaint them with all the real advantages 
the town, port and country offers for their establishment. 
The unlimited freedom it enjoys, the abundance and 
cheapness of all sorts of provisions, no custom-house nor 
custom officers to embarrass a free trade, the small 
taxes, the regularity of the town, the manners and indus- 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 255 

try of the inhabitants, and its situation, render it the most 
ehgible place in the universe for the people of Nantucket 
to remove to. To particularize all the advantages Dun- 
kerque offers, would be too long a task for a letter ; but 
as you are well acquainted with them, you may verbally 
add those which are not here related. You may also 
communicate to the selectmen the negotiation commenced 
with our friend William Rotch, and inform them of the 
predicament he finds himself under at present by the 
inattention of the British government to the business he 
is intrusted with. The knowledge of all these circum- 
stances appears to me necessary, in order to enable the 
people to judge what plan will be most advantageous to 
follow. Unless they should be blinded to their own 
interest, there is no doubt but they will prefer that which 
is here proposed. Therefore, as I have reason to hope 
that they will be sensible of the advantages offered them, 
your first care must be to engage them to name and im- 
power a committee to correspond with me on this subject, 
and you may assure them of my friendship and ready 
interference and exertions in the obtention of any other 
matter, which has not been foreseen by the annexed arti- 
cles. You may assure the proprietors of the ships, that 
are now on their fishery, that, if they choose to send them 
with their cargoes and family on board with an intention 
to settle, their oil shall be admitted in the country duty 
free, and that they will enjoy all the advantages and 
privileges of the natif subjects. On their arrival, they 
shall be put in possession of the ground allotted to them, 
and in every respect experience the reality of what I 
advance. As your stay at Nantucket will be short, on 
account of the advancement of the season, which will 



256 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

barely leave you time to proceed on the fishery, it is 
absolutely necessary that the committee of such trust- 
worthy men be appointed to correspond with me by 
every conveyance to Europe, and if you find the people 
disposed to remove, you may transfer to such committee 
tlie power, that is herewith intrusted to you, of charter- 
ing one or two ships, at the most reasonable freight that 
can be obtained, to transfer a number of tradesmen that 
are not able to transport themselves at their own expense, 
proportionable to the number of ships that will stand in 
need of their assistance w^hen arrived, provided that the 
expense of freight and provisions for the passage does not 
exceed at first fifteen or eighteen hundred pounds sterling. 
The committee, after a knowledge of the disposition of the 
people, may appreciate and inform me, as near as possi- 
ble, what the whole expense of transporting may amount 
to, in order to obtain authorization to pay it. The com- 
mittee may likewise send one of the members, by the 
first ship that will come here, wnth full powers and in- 
structions to conclude in due form all articles and condi- 
tions which may appear necessary to the accomplishment 
of such a desirable object. But it is absolutely necessary 
that the greatest secrecy and prudence be observed by 
all parties in the whole course of the negotiation, in order 
to avoid creating jealousy between two nations, on whom 
the tranquiUity of the w^orld depends, and save mankind 
from a repetition of the horrors of war, which have 
brouo-ht on the people of Nantucket their present dis- 
tresses. I am sensible that leaving one's natif spot and 
separating from some of the nearest connexions is an un- 
pleasing step, but of two evils the least must be preferred; 
and the people, in their present situation, must, in my 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 257 

opinion, offer their thanks to Divine Providence, that a 
mild, humane and generous government offers them a safe 
azilum, and a friendly hand to alleviate their distress and 
make them and their posterity happy. I rely on your 
best exertions to carry on this husiness to a favorable 
issue. It will not only tend towards many personal 
advantages towards yourself, but it will reconcile you the 
gratitude of the people on both sides. You may assure 
the inhabitants of my constant protection and friendship, 
and that in all occasions I shall be their zealous advocate, 
and as I am no ways induced by view of personal interest, 
I shall recommend them to such trustworthy merchants 
here, to whom they may at first consign their ships and 
cargoes till they will be able to manage their own busi- 
ness themselves, and in every other respect give them 
the best advice in my power. I shall be anxious to hear 
from you, therefore I request you will neglect no oppor- 
tunity to write to me, interim I wish you a safe and 
speedy voyage, and remain with lasting regard. 

Dear friend, your truly affectionate friend, 

L. Coffin. 

Copy of the advantages, granted to the people of the 
Island of Nantuclcet, who may wish to settle at Dun- 
JcirJc, and establish the ivh ale fishery. 

1st. An entire free exercise of their religion or worship 
within themselves. 

2d. The concession of a tract of ground to build their 
bouses and stores. 

3d. All the privileges, exemptions and advantages 
promised by the king's declaration in 1662, confirmed 
by letters patent of 1784, to all strangers who come to 
17 



258 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

establish there, which are the same as those enjoyed by 
the natif subjects of his majesty. 

4th. The importation into the kingdom, free from all 
duties whatever, of the oil proceeding from their fishery, 
and the same premiums and encouragement granted for 
the cod and other fisheries to natif subjects. 

5th. A premium per ton on the burthen of the vessels 
that will carry on the whale fishery, which shall be de- 
termined in the course of the negotiation either with Mr. 
Rotch or with the selectmen of the island. 

6th. All objects of provisions and victuals for their 
ships shall be exempted from all duties whatever. 

7th. An additional and heavier duty shall be laid on 
all foreign oil, as a further encouragement to them, in 
order to facilitate the sale of their own. 

8th. The expenses of removing those of the inhabit- 
ants, who are not capable of defraying themselves, shall 
be paid by the government. 

9th. A convenient dock shall be built to repair their 
ships. 

10th. All trades-people, such as smiths, boat-builders, 
coopers, and others, shall be admitted to the free exer- 
cise of their trade without being liable to the forms and 
expense usually practised and paid by the natif subjects 
for their admittance to mastership. 

11th. They shall have liberty to command their own 
vessels, and have the choice of tlieir own people to navi- 
gate them. 

o 

12th. They shall be free from all military and naval 
service, as w ell in war as in peace, in the same manner 
and extent as expressed by the king's ordinance of the 
16th of February, 1759. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 259 

Nantucket, June the fifteenth, 
one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six. 
I Abner Coffin, notary and tabelhon pubhc, by legal 
authority duly constituted, dwelling in Sherborn, in the 
county of Nantucket, in the commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts, do hereby certify and attest, that the letter of in- 
structions and twelve articles preceding this certificate 
are genuine copies of the original, to me the said notary 
from Shubael Gardner produced. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my notarial 
seal and signature. 

In testimonium veritatis, 
[Seal.] Abner Coffin, Not, Pub. 



fishing stages. 
During many years after the settlement of the island, 
fishing near the shores was one of the principal occupa- 
tions of the people. Cod fishing was found very produc- 
tive, and received particular attention. For the accom- 
modation of the fishermen, small houses, adapted to the 
accommodation of five men each, that being the number 
of a boat's crew, were erected on the margin of tlie shore 
on the south and east sides of the island. Those on the 
south were at a place called Weweedeis. At the east was 
the village of Siasconset. One mile and a half northward 
from Siasconset were a few houses at Peedee. A conside- 
rable number were built still further northward at Sesaca- 
cha ; and in the same direction onward, near the head of 
the harbor, at a place called Quidnet, there was a small 
number. These clusters of houses were called fishing 
stages. No unnecessary expense was bestowed on the 



260 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

buildings ; they were of wood, the roofs only were 
shingled. The place for fire was at one end of the 
house, a fireplace of brick or stone was raised at some 
distance above the hearth, thence the chimney of one or 
the other of those materials was continued to the ridge 
and finished above the house, with wood. At the 
opposite end of the house were two convenient bed- 
rooms, containing two berths each, and above them was 
a cockloft where the boys usually lodged. The principal 
article of furniture was an ample table of common boards, 
fastened to the partition by hinges, so as to allow of its 
being turned up against the side of the room, when not 
in use, and then fastened with a button. There are still 
a few of these houses remaining at the village of Sias- 
conset, but none at the other fishing stages. 

SIASCONSET. 

This village is situated at the south-east extremity of 
the island, and contains about 70 houses. The cod 
fishery, which was carried on there a few years since 
pretty extensively, has recently dwindled, so that it can 
hardly be said to be the business of the place. The 
houses, with few exceptions, are occupied only in the 
warm season. As a summer resort, no place in the 
United States presents greater attractions for the invalid 
than Siasconset. It is not, indeed, the focus of fashionable 
life. But the fine bracing air, the excellent water, and 
the unique customs and *'laws" of the place, are admi- 
rably adapted to refresh and invigorate both mind and 
body. At Siasconset, all are on a level, or rather on an 
equal elevation. Useless forms and ceremonies are laid 
aside, and the little community, for the time being, 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 261 

indulge in a reciprocity of good feeling and interchange 
of civilities, which can be found in no place but one 
situated precisely like Siasconset, and no other such place 
exists in the known world. 

The village is compactly built on a level grass plat, 
near the edge of a steep clIfF; the land rises in the rear, 
so as to cut off a view of the town of Nantucket, and 
serve as a barrier to the cares and bustle of a turbulent 
world. In front, the eye rests on a broad expanse of the 
Atlantic, and below, the surf rolling and breaking, gives 
animation to the scenes by day, and lulls to repose by 
night. Fleets of fishing smacks are frequently anchored 
or sailing near the shore, catering for distant markets ; 
and larger vessels on longer voyages are continually 
passing. The sea-bird is ever skimming over the ocean, 
now eyeing the waters beneath, and now darting headlong 
at his prey. Shoals of small fishes may be seen black- 
ening the surface, sometimes floating leisurely with the 
tide, at others fleeing from the pursuit of the shark : and 
occasionally the majestic whale comes so near that one 
may see his breath, and hear him breathe. 

In the vicinity, on the margins of some small swamps, 
there are berries in sufficient abundance to tempt the 
resident to a healthful walk ; and within the distance of 
two miles is a sheet of fresh water, spreading over several 
hundred acres, a visit to which will be repaid by a 
pleasant ride and a good fare of perch. 

From a neighboring eminence, called Sancoty Head, 
the eye commands almost the entire horizon. In the 
distant west is seen the town and shipping, and beyond, 
the sound, often decked with numerous sails ; nearer, and 
on the right, are rich pastures and neat farm-houses, and, 



262 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

further on, stretches out the long Sandy Point, the 
extremity of which is marked by a hght-house. On the 
left is a broad valley, diversified by swamp and plain, and 
bounded by an elevation which extends to the ocean, and 
terminates in a high cliff, called Tom Never's Head, 
between which and the position we are supposed to 
occupy, is the village of Siasconset with its diminutive 
houses huddled together, resembling a patch of salt- 
works. A view from Sancoty Head, at a clear sunset, 
can hardly be surpassed in beauty and grandeur. The 
rich coloring of the sky reflected by the distant waters, 
the distinct outlines of the town, with its steeples and 
busy windmills, the repose of the surrounding plains, 
contrasted with the gloom which broods over the rollino^ 
and roaring ocean in the rear, give rise to sensations 
which can be felt. Indeed, but not described. 

A letter from Zaccheus Macy, forwarding to the His- 
torical Society an account of the former Indian divis- 
ions of the island, fyc. 

Nantucket, y« 2^ y^ 10^ 1792. 
My Friend and Kinsman : — Agreeable to the request 
of the Massachusetts Historical Society, I have wrote 
and explained many words and names of certain parts 
and places of or on the Island of Nantucket, both in 
English and Indian, as well as I could : but there Is not 
one person now left that I can get any help from in these 
matters. So I have wrote as well as I can on the affairs 
or matters, but I sometimes almost fear, whether it may 
not seem flat and old to them, but I hav^e not wrote any 
thing but what I am very sure is true, according to the 
best account I could set. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 263 

Further please to inform our said society, that I 
received a small letter from them, expressing their thanks 
for my little book I sent them before, which I kindly 
received and here return the same to them for their 
notice on such an old flat piece, and I have sent them an 
old stone pipe, such as our old native Indians made and 
smoked in, before the English came amongst them. 
They had a sort of weed or herb they called po'ke, 
which they used instead of tobacco, which weed re- 
sembled tobacco, but I do not know of any now growing 
on said island. The said pipe is something marred and 
broke, but still show^s some considerable curiosity, — but I 
only suppose it was made out of blue clay and muscle 
shells, pounded, and mixed, and then burnt, but it is com- 
monly called a stone pipe. I once had a complete one, but 
it is lost. And I have sent them a shell taken out of my 
well thirty-nine feet below the face of the earth ; and I 
have taken many sorts of shells out of wells near forty 
feet down. And one time when the old men were 
ditrdno: a w^ell at the stage called Siasconset, it is said, 
they found a whale's bone near thirty feet below the 
face of the earth, which things are past our accounting for. 

So I must break short, and only have to send you all 
my love and respect, which comes from your old and 
ready friend to serve. Zaccheus Macy. 

To Peleg Coffin, Esquire, of Nantucket, 
now resident in Boston. 

P. S. Please to take a copy of my last work or 
Journal by reason I have not got it on my book all, for I 
have enlarged on many things and names, which we may 
want for our own curiosity. 



264 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Account of the names of the old Sachems and some of 
the most respectable Indians, and their habitations, 
taken from the best authors that could be had y^ 15 
ye ^ino 1753, ^t tfiat time there were living near 
about 370 of the natives on the island of Nantucket — 
jpr me the subscriber. 

WannochmaQiock was the first sachem at the south- 
east part of the island, when the Enghsh first came to 
Nantucket. Next to him was his son, called Sousoauco, 
and next to him w^ere his two sons called Cain and Abel. 
These two agreed to divide the sachem-right, two third 
parts to Cain and one third part to Abel. The said Cain 
had one daughter, whose name was Jemima, married to 
James Shaa. From Abel sprang Eben Abel, and fi:om 
him sprang Benjamin Abel, the last sachem, fi-om whom 
I bought all his right, title and property that he had on 
said island, for and in behalf of the whole English 
proprietors. All the said Jemima's right was bought by 
our old proprietors many years before, as may fully 
appear on our records. Their lands or bounds began at 
a place on the south side of the island, called Touphchue 
Pond, and ran across to the northward to a brown rock 
marked on the west side, that lies to the northward of 
our washing pond, called Gibbs' Pond, on the west side 
of Saul's hills and so over towards Pod pis swamp, and 
then to the eastward to a place, Sesacacha Pond by 
the east sea. At the south-east part of said tract is a 
high bluff head of land, called Tom Never's Head ; and 
about two miles to the northward stands our famous 
fishing stage houses, where our sick people go for their 
health, called Siasconset ; and about a mile still to the 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 265 

northward is a very high difF of land called Sancota 
Head, then about a mile still to the northward stands 
another fishing stage called Sesacacha. 

Next begins the old sachem called Wauwinet ; his 
bounds begin adjoining to the northward of the said Wan- 
nochraamock's land and run still along to the northward 
and take in all Squam, and run on to our long sandy 
point, called Coetue or Nauma, which in the English is 
Long Point, where our Massachusetts light house now 
stands, and then to the westward to New Town, then to 
the southward to a place called Weweder Ponds, which in 
English signifies a pair of horns, by reason there are two 
ponds that run to a point next to the sea, and spread 
apart so as to leave a neck of land, called Long Joseph's 
Point ; which two ponds spread apart so as to resemble 
a pair of horns. And the said Wauwinet had two 
sons the oldest son was named Isaac, but was mostly 
called Nicornoose, which signifies, in English, to suck 
the fore teat ; and his second son was named Waw- 
pordonggo, which in English is white face, for his 
face was one side white, and the other side brown or 
Indian color. And the said Nicornoose married, and had 
one son named Isaac, and one daughter; and then he 
turned away his proper wife, and took another woman, 
and had two sons, named Wat and Paul Noose ; and 
when his true son Isaac grew up to be a man, he resented 
his father's behavior so much, that he went off and left 
them for the space of near fifty years, it was not known 
where. And in that time his true sister married to one 
Daniel Spotsor, and he reigned sachem, by his wife, near 
about forty years : and we made large purchases of the 
said Spotsors. And then about sixty years past or more, 



266 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

there came an Indian man from Nauset, called Great 
Jethro, and he brought Judah Paddack and one Hause 
with him, and he challenged the sachem-right by being 
son to the said true son of Nicornoose ; and when they 
first opened the matter to our old proprietors, they 
contrived to keep the said Jethro close, until they could 
send some good committee to find out by our old Indians, 
whether they ever knew or heard of the said Nicornoose 
having such a son gone, and they soon found out by the 
old Indians, that he had, but they had not heard what 
was become of him. So they soon found, they should 
lose all they had bought of the said Spotsors, then they 
held a parley with him said Jethro, and agreed to buy all 
his right, title and property that he owned on said island, 
as appears on our records. And the said Nicornoose 
gave deeds to his two bastard sons, Paul and Wat Noose, 
forty acres each, a Uttle to the eastward of Podpis village. 
The first sachem at the south-west part of said island. 
His bounds were at the said Weweder Ponds, and from 
thence to the northward to a place called Gunsue meadow 
at Monemoy, where we now call New Town, and from 
thence westward along to the southward of the hills called 
Popsquatchet Hills, where our three mills now stand, and 
so to the west sea, called Tawtemeo, which we call the 
Hummock pond. And his name was Autapeeot. Next 
to him was his son called Harry Poritain. Next to him 
was Peter Mausauquit. Next to him was Isaac Peter. 
Next to him was lame Isaac, of whom we bought the 
last and all that sachem-right : and their habitation was 
Moyaucomet, which signifies a meeting-place, and their 
meeting-house they call Moyaucomor. And the said 
Autapeeot was called a great warrior, and got his land by 
his bow. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 267 

The fourth sachem was at the north-west part, called 
Potconet, and owned all the little island called Tucker- 
nuck, which signifies, in English, a loaf of bread, and his 
bounds extended from Madaket down eastward to Wesko, 
which in English is the white stone, and so on the north 
side of Autapscot land, all bought of him at the coming 
of the English, saving some particular tracts that belonged 
to the Jafets and the Heights and some others. 

Now I shall give some of the most respectable Indians 
in Wannochmamock's bounds. There was James Ma- 
mack, a minister of the gospel, and justice of the peace, 
and behaved well in his station. Old Aesop, the weaver, 
was a schoolmaster; old Saul, a very stern looking old 
man. Joshua Mamack succeeded in his father James 
Mamack's place. Richard Nominash and his brother 
Sampson and little Jethro were all very substantial, and 
a number more very trusty men. 

The most noted Indians in Autapscot's bounds were 
Benjamin Tashama, a minister of the gospel, and a school- 
master to teach the children to read and write. He was 
grandson to the old sachem. But there was an old Indian, 
named Zacchary Hoite, a minister before the said Tash- 
ama, but he did not behave so well. He told his hearers 
they must do as he said, but not as he did. 

And there was one Indian man, his name was James 
Skouel,but was mostly called Corduda. He was justice 
of the peace, and very sharp with them if they did not 
behave well. He would fetch them up, when they did 
not tend their corn well, and order them to have ten 
stripes on their backs, and for any rogue tricks and getting 
drunk. And if his own children played any rogue tricks, 
he would serve them the same sauce. There happened 



268 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

some Englishmen at bis court, when a man was brought 
up for some rogue tricks, and one of these men was 
named Nathan Coleman, a pretty crank sort of a man, 
and the Indian man pleaded for an appeal to Esquire 
Bunker, and the old judge turned round to said Nathan 
and spoke in the Indian language thus, "chaquor kea- 
dor taddator witche conichau mussoy chaquor," then 
said Nathan answered thus, " marlau couetchawidde 
neconne sassamyste nehotie moche Squire Bunker;" 
which in the English tongue is thus, " what do you think 
about this great business ? " then Nathan answered " may 
be you had better whip him first, then let him go to 
Squire Bunker ; " and the old judge took Nathan's 
advice. And so Nathan answered two purposes, the one 
was to see the Indian wliipped, the other was, he was 
sure the Indian would not want to go to Esquire Bunker 
for fear of anoiher whipping. 

I will say something more in recommendation of some of 
our old Indian natives. They were very solid and sober 
at their meetings of worship, and carried on in the form 
of Presbyterians, but in one tiling imitated the Friends 
or Quakers, so called : which was to hold meetings on 
the first day of the week and on the fifth day of the 
week, and attended their meetings very precisely. I 
have been at their meetings many times and seen their 
devotion ; and it was remarkably solid ; and I could 
understand the most of what was said ; and they always 
placed us in a suitable seat to sit ; and they were not put 
by, by our coming in, but rather appeared glad to see us 
come in. And a minister is called cooulaumuchary. 
And when the meeting was done, they would take their 
tinder-box and strike fire and light their pipes, and, may 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 269 

be, would draw three or four whifs and swallow the 
smoke, and then blow it out of their noses, and so hand 
their pipes to their next neighbor. And one pipe of 
tobacco would serve ten or a dozen of them. And they 
would say " tawpoot," which is, ^' I thank ye." It 
seemed to be done in a way of kindness to each other. 

And as I said before, they had justices, constables, 
grand-jurymen, and carried on for a great many years, 
many of them very well and precisely, and lived in very 
good fashion. Some of them were weavers, some good 
carpenters. 

Now I will begin at the west end of the island, which 
we call Smith's Point, but the Indians call Nopque, 
which was called a landing place, when they came from 
the Vineyard, but they call it Noapx ; then eastward 
about three miles comes the Hummock Pond, where we 
once had a great number of whale houses with a mast 
raised for a look-out, with holes bored through and sticks 
put in like a ladder, to go up ; then about three miles 
eastward to the said Weweder ponds, stood another 
parcel of whale houses ; then about three miles eastward 
to Nobedeer Pond was where Benjamin Gardner lived 
formerly ; then about three and one half miles eastward 
is the aforesaid Tom Never's Head ; then two miles 
to the northward is the famous town or fishing stage 
called Siasconset ; then about one mile northward is the 
high head of land called Sancoty Head, and the Indians 
called Naphchecoy, which signifies round the head ; then 
about one mile northward is the aforesaid Sesacacha 
pond, where our other fishing stage stands. Then begins 
the said Squam, and runs northward two miles to the 



270 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

beginning of our said long sandy point called Naauma ; 
and the first is one mile to a place called Causkata pond, 
where are some woods and meadow ; and four miles 
northward is where the said Massachusetts lighthouse is, 
on the north end of said point. Then about one mile to 
the northward of the enterino- on of the above said lono- 
point, begins another neck or beach, called little Coetue 
and runs about five miles on about a west by south course 
till it comes within about one mile of our town called 
Wesko, which makes the east side of the entering-in of 
our harbor. Then next to the said Squam, westward, 
is the village called Podpis Neck, where our fulling-mill 
stands ; then next westward is the famous neck of land 
called Quaise or Maisquatuck Neck, which in the English 
signifies the reed land, which was a tract of land given to 
Thomas Mayhew from one of the old sachems, and was 
reserved by the said Mayhew to himself when he sold 
his patent-right to the proprietors ; which neck makes the 
west side of the said Podpis Harbor, now owned by 
Josiah Barker, Esquire, and Captain Shubael Coffin and 
Captain Thomas Delano. Then next westward is the 
Josiah Barker's lot or field, called Show Aucamor, which 
in English signifies the middle field of land. Then about 
four miles westward is the town called Wesco ; then next 
westward is a place called Watercomet, which signifies a 
pond field, which formerly was owned by the old natives 
called the Hoites. Then next westward is the great pond 
called Cuppame, where old Tristram Coffin lived, the 
old grandfluher to almost all of us, which was owned by 
the old families of the natives called the Jafets ; then 
next westward about four miles is called Eel Point and 
Madaket Harbor, which is the north-west part of the said 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 271 

island ; and then about two miles westward is the said 
little island, called Tuckernuck, which signifies, in English, 
a loaf of bread, for it appears round, and in the middle 
pretty high : which was bought by the said old Tristram 
Coffin from the old sachem Potconet, in the year 1659, 
by virtue of a patent he had from New York. 

Excuse me for errors and poor writing and spelling, 
and consider me in station of life worn out. 
Nantucket, ye 2^ IQin month, 1792. 

By Zaccheus Macy. 
To Peleg Coffin, Esquire, now resident in Boston. For 
the perusal of our Historical Society for the Massachu- 
setts, in Boston. 

EDUCATION. 

Previous to the year 1827 very little was done, for the 
support of schools, by the town in its corporate capacity. 
The youth, indeed, had ever had an opportunity of ac- 
quiring the rudiments of an English education in private 
schools, and some appropriations had been made to in- 
struct the poor. In 1827 the town appropriated a suffi- 
cient sum to maintain two large schools on the monitorial 
plan, which w^ent into operation immediately. Since 
that period some changes have taken place, both in the 
number of public schools and in the system of teaching. 
There are at present two large grammar and four primary 
schools, at which there are taught about 800 scholars. 
There are also, besides the Coffin school, which will be 
subsequently noticed, some excellent private schools. 
The young possess advantages for common education 
not exceeded by those of any other place in the Union : 
whether these advantages are duly appreciated by the 



272 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

community, we shall not pretend to decide ; but if the 
risinoj generation do not carry into the world a sufficient 
stock of knowledge for all the best purposes of life, the 
fault must rest elsewhere than on the town or on the 
teachers of schools. 

THE COFFIN SCHOOL. 

In the year 1S26, Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, of the 
British navy, visited the island. He found, that a large 
part of the inhabitants were more or less remotely akin to 
him. Possessing a mind trained to active benevolence, 
he expressed a disposition to confer on his kindred some 
mark of his attachment to them, and of his regard for his 
ancestry. The establishment of a school was suggested 
to him, as a means of permanent good to his relatives, 
and immediately met his approbation. He accordingly 
authorized the late William Coffin, Esq. to purchase 
a building then vacant, which had been used for a Lan- 
casterian school, and shortly afterwards funded, for the 
support of the proposed institution, hvo thousand five 
hundred pounds sterling. An act of incorporation was 
passed at the succeeding session of the legislature, and 
the school was opened in the spring of 1827. The 
selection of the first board of trustees was confided to 
William Coffin, Esq. 

The school was first taught on the monitorial plan, 
which was laid aside about four years since. The pupils 
are now arranged in four classes, denominated first, second, 
third and fourth. The fourth or primary class is prepar- 
atory to the third, and studies are laid out for the three 
higher classes, calculated to occupy each class one year. 
Class succeeds class precisely on the college plan. Those 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 273 

who have attended the school three whole years, and 
completed the studies of the first class, are entitled to 
one year's tuition gratis, with liberty to review past 
studies or commence such new ones as can be conven- 
iently attended to. 

The income from the fund is not sufficient for the sup- 
port of the school, as it is at present arranged, so that there 
is a necessity of charging each pupil .$2 50 per quarter. 
The two departments, male and female, occupy separate 
rooms, but corresponding classes in each pursue the same 
studies and recite together. There is a principal and 
assistant in each department. The examinations of the 
school are quarterly, on the last fifth day or Thursday of 
each season ; and the succeeding quarter commences on 
the following second day, or Monday, unless a vacation 
intervenes. The vacations are not at present fixed to any 
times, but are adapted to the convenience of the teachers; 
except one of a week at the season of sheep-shearing. 

Cop?/ of the Act of Incorporation of the Cofin School, 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

In the year of our Lord one thousand > 
eight hundred and twenty-seven. ) 

An Act to incorporate a school at Nantucket by the name 
of Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin's Lancasterian School. 

Sec. 1st. Be it enacted by the senate and house of 
representatives in general court assembled, and by the 
authority of the same. That there be and hereby is estab- 
lished in the town of Nantucket, in the county of Nan- 
tucket, a school by the name o[ Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin'' s 
Lancasterian School, for the purpose of promoting de- 
18 



274 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

cency, good order and morality, and for giving a good 
English education to youth who are descendants of the 
late Tristram Coffin (who emigrated from England about 
the year 1641, first settled at Salisbury, in Massachusetts 
Bay, now state of Massachusetts, and from thence re- 
moved to the town of Sherburne, now Nantucket,) r.s the 
trustees for the time being shall direct, and that William 
Coffin, Ariel Cofiin, Gorham Coffin, Jared Coffin, Thad- 
deus Coffin, and Charles G. Coffin, with such others as 
they may add to their numbers, be nominated and ap- 
pointed trustees, and they are hereby incorporated into 
a body politic by the name of the Trustees of Admiral 
Sir Isaac Coffin's Lancasterian School, and that they 
and their successors shall be and continue a body politic 
for ever. 

Sec, 2d. Be it further enacted, that all lands, build- 
ings, moneys, or other property heretofore given or sub- 
scribed for the purpose of estabhshing the aforesaid school, 
or which shall be hereafter given, granted, or assigned to 
the said trustees, shall be confirmed to the said trustees 
and their successors in that trust for ever, for the uses 
for which said scliool is established, and the said trustees 
shall be capable of having, holding and taking in fee 
simple, by gift, grant, devise or otherwise, any lands, 
tenements, or other estate real or personal, provided that 
the annual income of the same shall not exceed the sum 
of three thousand dollars, and shall apply the interest, 
rents and profits thereof so as most to promote the design 
of the institution. 

Sec. 3d. Be It further enacted, that the said trustees, 
for the time being, shall be the visiters and governors of 
said institution, and shall have full power, from time to 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 275 

time, to elect such officers thereof as they shall judge 
necessary and convenient, and fix the tenor of their 
respective offices, and to fill up all vacancies that may 
happen in the board of trustees, by death, resignation or 
removal from the town of Nantucket. Provided always^ 
that the trustees shall all be the descendants of the above- 
mentioned Tristram Coffin in the male or female line, — 
to determine the times and places for holding their meet- 
ings — the manner of notifying the trustees — to ascertain 
the powers and duties of their several officers — to elect 
instructers and prescribe their duties — to make and ordain 
reasonable rules, orders and by-laws for the government 
of the institution, provided the same be not repugnant to 
the laws of the commonwealth. 

Sec. Ath. Be it further enacted, that the trustees of 
said school may have a common seal, which they may 
change at pleasure, and all deeds sealed with the said 
seal, and delivered and acknowledged by the secretary of 
said trustees bv their order, shall be valid and binding 
in law — and said trustees may sue and be sued in all 
actions, and prosecute and defend the same to final judg- 
ment and execution by the name of the trustees of Admi- 
ral Sir Isaac Coffin's Lancasterian School. 

Sec. bih. Be it further enacted, that the number of 
trustees shall never exceed nine nor be less than six, one 
of whom shall be appointed as president, three of whom 
with the president, or five without the president, shall be 
necessary to constitute a quorum for doing business, but 
a less number may adjourn from time to time, — and a 
majority of those present shall decide all questions that 
may properly come before said trustees. 

Sec. 6th. Be it further enacted, that William Coffin, 



276 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Esq., be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to 
fix the time and place of holding the first meeting of the 
trustees and to notify them thereof. 

Sec. 1th. Be it further enacted, that this act may at 
any time be modified or repealed by the legislature of 
this commonwealth. 

Sec. Sth. Be it further enacted, that an act passed in 
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
twenty-seven, entitled " An Act to Incorporate a School 
at Nantucket, by the name of Admiral Isaac Coffiii's 
Lancasterian School,'' be and the same hereby is re- 
pealed. 

Passed June 8, 1827. 

NANTUCKET ATHEN^UM. 

This institution was incorporated in 1834. It took its 
origin from two societies, one the Mechanics' Association, 
formed in 1820, the other the Columbian Library Asso- 
ciation, formed in 1823. These were united in 1827, 
under the name of the United Library Association. In 
1833, two of the members, Charles G. Cofiin and David 
Joy, offered the society a valuable tract of land, in the 
central part of the town, on the condition of there being 
erected on it a substantial building for the uses of the 
Association. A subscription was immediately opened and 
in a siiort time a greater amount was obtained than that 
required by the conditions of the donation. Thus en- 
couraged, the Association, with the consent of the donors 
of the land, purchased the house and land then recently 
occupied by the Universalist Society, and made such 
alterations in the building as were required for their ac- 
commodation. The addition of a portico, which is about 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 277 

to be annexed to the building, will make it one of the 
handsomest edifices in the town. The apartments of the 
building are a convenient lecture room sufficiently large 
to accommodate an audience of about four hundred and 
fifty persons, a library room, a spacious room for curiosi- 
ties, and a committee room. The library consists of more 
than two thousand volumes, and is rapidly increasing. 
The museum contains a large number of curiosities, con- 
sisting chiefly of weapons, dresses and utensils of the 
natives of the Pacific Ocean Islanders. It is a valuable 
collection, becoming daily more valuable ; for the charac- 
ter of those people is constantly changing, and, even if 
they should survive a contact with civilized nations, their 
habits, customs and mode of warfare will be learned, a 
few generations hence, only from these relics of their 
former simphcity. 

SLAVERY. 

The Society of Friends, in New England, were proba- 
bly the first associated body that bore testimony against 
slavery. About the year 1717, as we have been informed 
by William Rotch, Jun. of New Bedford, a friend of the 
highest respectability, clerk a number of years of the 
Nantucket monthly meeting of the Society of Friends, 
they expressed their views on the subject on their records 
in the followino^ lano^uase, accordino^ to his best recollec- 
tion : — " That they considered it inconsistent with truth 
to purchase mankind as slaves, and hold them term of 
life." 

We regret that we have not been able to obtain more 
information respecting the early proceedings of the 
Friends, in relation to slavery. The inhabitants of the 



278 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

island may well be proud of the decided stand, which 
their ancestors took against the odious traffic in human 
flesh. We felt it due to our native place, and it would 
have been peculiarly grateful to our personal feelings, to 
present the public with authentic documents connected 
with this subject ; but the ancient records in possession 
of that part of the society, called orthodox, have not been 
made accessible to us, though we have sought, through 
the recorder, either to examine them ourselves, or be 
furnished with a copy of the minute, on record, at that 
early period. 

It is enough to say, that we have not been able to 
obtain them, and that we feel a reluctance, from the 
very high respect we entertain toward the greater part of 
the members constituting that body, for their candor and 
courtesy, to enter at all into an explanation of the irrecon- 
cilable procedure connected with this application. 

We are willing thus, to suffer, in silence, the seeming 
reproach, which such a refusal casts upon us ; for we 
cannot be insensible to the surprise, which it must pro- 
duce in the minds of those, unacquainted with the causes, 
which have probably operated to produce it. It would 
be more gratifying to us to apply, without any reserve 
whatever, the acknowledgment which Clarkson, the au- 
thor of the " Portraiture of Quakerism," did to the society 
of Friends in England, while in the prosecution of his 
writings ; but the pleasure is denied to us. 

We have been obliged to give the above explanation ; 
for we had no other means to account for the non-appear- 
ance of the record, and self-respect alone demands of us 
to say, that in the compilation of this history, we have 
received the most prompt and kind attention from every 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 279 

Other source, to which we have applied, for records or 
information, in the prosecution of our labors. 

" One of the first public advocates for the cause of the 
oppressed Africans in New England," was Elihu Cole- 
man, of Nantucket. " He was a minister of the society 
of Friends. We have before us, a work written in 1729 
-30, and published in 1733, entitled ' A Testimony 
against that Anti- Christian Practice q/* making slaves 
OF MEN.' " In a preliminary address to his readers, he 
uses these words, " And now, though some may think it 
hard to have this practice spoken against, that has been 
carried on so long pretty much in silence, I may let such 
know, that I have found it hard to write against it ; yet 
nevertheless believing it my duty so to do, I have written 
according to my understanding thereof. And although I 
have WTitten but little, and in a very plain way, yet I 
hope that those remarks I have made thereon, may serve 
as a text for some to preach to themselves upon. I am 
not unthoughtful of the ferment or stir that such discourse 
as this may make among some, who (like Demetrius of 
old) may say, by this craft we have our wealth, which 
caused the people to cry out with one voice, great is 
Diana of the Ephesians, whom all Asia and the world 
worship." In the course of his work the author says : 
" I have often considered how earnestly some men will 
search into the etymology or original of some things that 
may be but small, and in the mean time omit tire greater. 
Now in my judgment every thing ought to be looked 
upon according to the importance, weight, or value of the 
thing; for to be very zealous in a small thing, and to pass 
lightly over a greater, that zeal may be more properly 
called superstition, than good zeal, which should be 



280 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

grounded on knowledge. Now I would have all to 
consider of this practice of making slaves of negroes, or 
others that we can get the mastery over, to see upon 
what foundation it stands, or to see what the original of it 
was, whether or no pride and idleness was not the first 
rise of it, that they might go with white hands, and that 
their wives might (Jezebel Hke) paint and adorn them- 
selves, and their sons and daughters be brought up in 
idleness, which may be very well termed the mother of 
all vice ; for it is generally the richest sort of people that 
have them, for the poor are not so able to get them." — 
^'But some may object, as I myself have heard them, 
that there was a mark set upon Cain, and they do be- 
lieve, that these negroes are the posterity of Cain ;" "but 
if we do but observe, and read in the genealogy of Cain, 
we may find that they were all drowned in the old world, 
and that Canaan w^as of the line of Seth." " Christ for- 
bids his followers to meddle with the tares, lest they hurt 
the wheat, therefore none can have any plea for making 
them slaves, for their being ignorant or wicked ; for if 
that plea would do, I do believe they need not go so far 
for slaves as now they do." 

" Now although the Turks make slaves of those they 
catch, that are not of their religion, yet (as history relates) 
as soon as any embraces the Mahometan religion, they 
are no longer kept slaves, but are quickly set free, and 
for the most part put to some place of preferment ; so 
zealous are they for proselytes and their own religion. 
Now if many among those called Christians would but 
consider, how far they fall short of the Turks in this par- 
ticular, it would be well ; for they tell the negroes, that 
they must believe in Christ, and receive the Christian 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 281 

faith, and that they must receive the sacrament, and be 
baptized, and so they do ; but still they keep them slaves 
for all this." 

N. B. Since noticing the proceedings of Friends in 
regard to slavery, a very obliging friend, Thomas A. 
Greene, of New Bedford, has furnished us with extracts, 
made by him in 1820, from the records of the Nantucket 
monthly meeting. We feel too proud of this testimony 
of our fathers against slavery, to withhold the record in 
its original form, from the world, though we have already 
given it in substance. 

26th day of ye 9th mo. 1716. 

'^ An epistle from the last Quarterly Meeting was read 
in this, and ye matter referred to this meeting, viz : 
whether it is agreeable to truth for friends to purchase 
slaves and keep them term of lifFe, was considered, and 
y« sense and judgment of this meeting is, that it is not 
agreeable to truth for friends to purchase slaves and hold 
them term of liffe. 

" Nathaniel Starbuck, jun :. is to draw out this meeting's 
judgment concerning friends not buying slaves and keep- 
them term of liffe, and send it to the next Quarterly 
Meeting, and to sign it in ye meeting's behalf." 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

In the town of Nantucket there are eight religious 
societies or congregations, viz : one Unitarian Congrega- 
tionalist, one Orthodox Society, two meetings of Friends, 
one attached to the New York yearly meeting, the other 
to that of New England ; one Methodist Episcopal, one 



282 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



Reformed Methodist ; and two for colored persons, one 
of them Baptist, the other denominated Zion's Church. 



Summary of the number of deaths of persons be- 
longing to Nantucket, in each year from 1820 to 1834 
inclusive. 

1820 65 

1821 



1822 
1823 
1824 

1825 under 10 years 114 
" over 10, under 70 92 
'' over 70 35 

1826 under 10 years 73 
" over 10, under 70 67 
'' over 70 19 

1827 under 10 years 34 
" over 10, under 70 63 
" over 70 20 

1828 under 10 years 56 
" over 10, under 70 70 
'' over 70 31 

1829 under 10 years 59 
" over 10, under 70 63 
" over 70 19 



160 
167 
133 



241 



159 



117 



157 



141 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 283 



1830 under 10 years 


41 


" over 10, under 70 


49 


" over 70 


28 


1831 under 10 years 


47 


" over 10, under 70 


81 


" over 70 


25 


1832 under 10 years 


47 


" over 10, under 70 


74 


" over 70 


17 


1833 under 10 years 


145 


" over 10, under 45 


49 


" over 45, under 70 


20 


'' over 70 


22 


1834 under 10 years 


76 


" over 10, under 45 


55 


" over 45, under 70 


23 


" over 70 


23 



118 



153 



138 



236 



177 



FIRES. 

We subjoin an account of fires, which have occurred 
within the town of Nantucket. There may be some 
omissions, and the estimate of losses may in some in- 
stances be incorrect, but we beheve that the error, if there 
be any, will consist in overating the property destroyed. 
That there should be so few losses in a town compactly 
built of wood, is to be attributed, perhaps equally, to the 



284 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Steady habits of the inhabitants, and the promptness, 
energy, and activity of the young men of the island. 
The means for extinguishing fires consist of a sufficient 
number of engines, good apparatus, a bountiful supply of 
water from the harbor, public cisterns, and private wells. 

Buildings destroyed by Fire. 

In 1736 Friends meeting house, estimated loss $400 

1762 Peter Barnard's house, 400 

1765 Mill, 500 

1769 Several buildings on South Wharf, 11,000 

" " " at Brant Point, 1,000 

1774 Enoch Gardner's barn, 100 

1782 Light-house at Brant Point, 1,000 

1786 " " Great Point, 1,000 

" Nicholas Header's house at Sesacacha, 100 

1779 Two barns, 300 

1799 Isaac Folger's shop, 1,500 

1802 Nathan Bebe's bake-house, 2,000 

1810 George Russell's shop, 350 

1811 Matthew Myrick's rope-walk, 3,000 

1812 Samuel Swain's house at Phillips' Run, 200 
" Several buildings at South Wharf, 6,000 

1814 George Myrick's farm house, 300 

1816 Light-house at Great Point, 500 

1820 Jethro Dunham's house at Tuckernuck, 400 

1823 T. & H. Starbuck's shop, 100 

1832 Isaac Coffin's barn, 900 

Buildings injured, 

Thomas Smith's sliop, 1,000 

John R. Macy's shop, 600 

Elizabeth Chase's shop, 1,000 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 285 

Adding to these losses $3,000, for slight injuries 

sustained at different times, 3,000 

It is believed that the total value of property- 
destroyed by fires, since the settlement of 
the island; has not exceeded $36,000 



POETRY . 



We insert the following specimens of our island poesy, 
not because we consider them the best collection that can 
be made, nor because we suppose them, taken collect- 
ively, to possess very extraordinary merit. Some of the 
pieces liave been deemed worthy of being handed down 
from a considerably remote period. Our fathers wielded 
the harpoon, and our mothers the distaff, with better 
effect, and certainly with more profit, than they did the 
pen ; yet they were not all insensible to the smiles of the 
muses, nor were the muses always averse to their devo- 
tions. It seems necessary to possess some familiarity 
with an art in order to judge of others' skill therein ; we 
deem it prudent, therefore, to withhold our opinion in the 
premises, and leave it for others to decide, whether w^e 
have added to the value of our w^ork by our selections. 
And yet we are willing to take our part in the censures 
which may befall these productions, so far as taste and 
poetic feeling are at stake ; and, if these qualities are not 
found to have been possessed by some of the writers, we 
shall plead guilty of the like deficiency ourselves. It is 
said that, when one chord of the stringed instrument is 
touched, all the kindred chords are made to vibrate; so, 
whether from local partialities or not we cannot determine, 
the sentiments of our own poets have awakened sympa- 
thetic emotions in our breasts. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. "281 

The following is extracted from a work written by- 
Peter Folger, of whom some mention is made in the 
second chapter of this history. The title is as follows : 

A LOOKING-GLASS FOR THE TIMES, OR THE FORMER SPIRIT OF N£YT 
ENGLAND REVIVED IN THIS GENERATION. 

Bij Peter Folger. 
Let all that read these verses know, 
That 1 intend something to show 
About our war, how it hath been 
And also what is the chief sin, 
That God doth so with us contend 
And when these wars are like to end. 
Read then in love ; do not despise 
What here is set before thine eyes. 

New England for these many years 

hath had both rest and peace, 
But now the case is otherwise ; 

our troubles doth increase. 
The plague of war is now begun 

in some great colonies, 
And many towns are desolate 

we may see with our eyes. 
The loss of many goodly men 

we may lament also. 
Who in the war have lost their lives, 

and fallen by our foe. 
Our women also they have took 

and children very small. 
Great cruelty they have used 

to some, though not to all. 

Let us then search, what is the sin 

that God doth punish for ; 
And, when found out, cast it away 

and ever it abhor. 

Sure 'tis not chiefly for those sins 
that magistrates do name, 



288 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

And make good laws for to suppress, 
and execute the same. 

But 'tis for that same crying sin, 

that rulers will not own, 
And that whereby much cruelty 

to brethren hath been shown ; 

The sin of persecution 

such laws established, 
By which laws they have gone so far, 

as blood hath touched blood. 

It is now forty years ago, 
since some of them were made, 

Which was the ground and rise of all 
the persecuting trade. 

Then many worthy persons were 

banished to the woods, 
Where they among the natives did 

lose their most precious bloods. 

And since that, many godly men 

have been to prison sent ; 
They have been fined, and whipped also, 

and suffered banishment. 

The cause of this their suffering 

was not for any sin. 
But for the witness that they bare 

against babes sprinkling. 

And though that these were harmless menj 

and did no hurt to any, 
But lived well like honest men, 

as testified by many ; 

Yet did these laws entrap them so, 
that they were put to death. 

And could not have the liberty 
to speak near their last breath. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 289 

But these men were, as I have heard, 

against our college men ; 
And this was, out of doubt to me, 

that which was mo&t their sin. 

****** 

Now to the sufferings of these men 

I have but gave a hint ; 
Because that in George Bishop's book 

you may see all in print. 

****** 

Now, loving friends and countrymen, 

I wish we may be wise, 
'Tis now a time for every man 

to see with his own eyes. 

'Tis easy to provoke the Lord 

to send among us war, 
'Tis easy to do violence, 

to envy and to jar ; 

To show a spirit that is high, 

to scorn and domineer ; 
To pride it out, as if there were 

no God to make us fear ; 

To covet what is not our own, 

to cheat and to oppress, 
To live a life that might free us 

from acts of Righteousness j 

To swear and lie, and to be drunk, 

to backbite one another ; 
To carry tales that may do hurt 

and mischief to our brother ! 

To live in such hypocrisy, 

as men may think us good, 
Although our hearts within are full 

of evil and of blood. 

All these and many evils more 

are easy for to do ; 
But to repent, and to reform, 

we have no strength unto. 

19 



290 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Let us then seek for help irom God, 
and turn to him that smite ; 

Let us take heed, that at no time 
we sin against our light. 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 9F 

I would not have you for to think, 
tho' I have wrote so much, 

That I hereby do throw a stone 
at magistrates as such. 

The rulers in the country I 
do own them in the Lord : 

And such as are for government, 
with them I do accord. 

But that which I intend hereby, 
is that they would keep bounds, 

And meddle not with God's worship, 
for which they have no ground. 

And I am not alone herein, 
there's many hundreds more. 

That have for many years ago 
spake much upon that score. 

Indeed I really believe, 

it's not your business 
To meddle with the Church of Christ 

in matters more or less. 

There's work enough to do besides, 
to judge in mine and thine, 

To succor poor and fatherless, 
that is the work in fine. 

# # # % ^ # 

The Church may now go stay at home, 
there's nothing for to do ; 

Their work is all cut out by law, 
and almost made up too. 

^ ^ vP ^ ^ ^ 

If we do love our brethren, 
and do to them, I say. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 291 

As we would they sTiould do to us, 
we should be quiet straightway. 

But if that we a smiting go 

of fellow-servants so, 
No marvel if our wars increase 

and things so heavy go. 

'Tis like that some may think and say, 

our war would not remain, 
If so be that a thousand more 

of natives were but slain. 

Alas ! these are but foolish thoughts ; 

God can make more arise, 
And if that there were none at all, 

He can make war with flies. 

Let's have our faith and hope in God, 

and trust in Him alone, 
And then no doubt this storm of war 

it quickly will be gone. 

Thus, reader, I, in love to all, 

leave these few lines with thee, 
Hoping that in the substance we 

shall very well agree. 

If that you do mistake the verse 

for its uncomely dress, 
I tell thee true, 1 never thought 

that it would pass the press. 

If any at the matter kick, 

it's like he's galled at heart. 
And that's the reason why he kicks, 

because he finds it smart. 

I am for peace, and not for war, 

and that's the reason why 
I write more plain than some men do, 

that use to daub and lie. 



292 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

But I shall cease, and set my name 

to what I here insert, 
Because to be a libeller, 

I hate it with my heart. 

From Sherhon ^ town, where now I dwell, 

my name I do put here. 
Without offence your real friend, 

it is Peter Folger. April 23, 167i 



We insert the following, not for its intrinsic merit; but 
as a specimen of much of a similar character, which has 
fallen into our hands, and also as an apology for not pub- 
lishing: more. 



AN ELEGIT ON THE SUDDEN AND AWFUL DEATH OF SEVEN MEN, WHO 
WERE DROWNED ON NANTUCKET BAR, IST OF IST MONTH, 1782. 

Kind heaven assist my feeble muse, 

And help me to relate 
Unto my friends the dismal news 

Of my poor townsmen's fate. 

O, what a sad and awful time, 

Which caused our eyes to weep, 
For seven men, all in their prime, 

All drowned in the deep. 

In seventeen hundred eighty-two, 

The first of new year's day, 
This poor unhappy crew of men 

Were sadly swept away. 

They from Nantucket shore put off, 
And for the bar did try. 



Nantucket. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 293 

In hopes to get on board a brig ; 
But could not her come nigh. 

The wind did blow, the sea run high, 

They strove the brig to gain, 
But all endeavors fruitless were. 

Their striving proved in vain. 

Their boat upon the ocean fill'd. 

And two were then swept out, 
And five, remaining in her still, 

Some time were toss'd about. 

Their friends on shore saw their distress. 

And for their help did try, 
But nothing could in time be done ; 

It was their lot to die. 

Four mournful widows, left that day, 

And eleven children small, 
And two besides that were unborn, 

Which makes thirteen in all. 

Their sorrows surely must be great. 

Which I full well do know, 
Having once shared the same fate, 

And tasted the same woe. 

Now in the scriptures we may find 

These words recorded be : 
The fatherless leave to my care, 

Their widows trust in me. 



294 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

The following piece is from the pen of Peleg Folger, 
a member and an elder of the Society of Friends. He 
died in the year 1789, aged 55 years. In early life he 
exhibited traits of character, which gave him a great supe- 
riority over others of his age. His literary acquirements 
were the result of his own unaided industry, for his school 
education was very limited, his youth being principally 
employed in the farming business. At about the age of 
21 he began the business of a seaman, which he followed 
many years, both in whaling and cod fishing. On exam- 
ining the journal which he kept during this period, we 
find it couched in the language rather of a scholar than 
of a farmer or sailor. In addition to keeping the run of 
the vessel, like an experienced navigator, he frequently 
introduced, in his journals, pieces of poetry, and composi- 
tions in prose, and occasionally sentences in Latin, be- 
sides arithmetical and algebraical problems. His general 
deportment was serious and contemplative. It was rare 
that he indulged in levity, but he was free and sociable 
in conversation on useful subjects, whether moral or reli- 
gious. He was considered as a monitor in all his conduct 
through life ; beloved by all good people, he commanded 
the respect and obedience of those who looked to him for 
support and protection, among whom were several father- 
less children. 

His knowledge of mathematics, and of the natural sci- 
ences generally, was considered by judges to be far supe- 
rior to that of many who had had the advantages of a 
classical education. His character as a Christian, from 
his youth to the time of his decease, was almost without 
blemish. For several days previous to his departure, he 
appeared to have a satisfactory presentiment of his ap- 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 295 

proachiiig end, and that the sting of death was entirely- 
removed. He had much to say by way of advice to his 
friends and neighbors, who visited him in his last moments. 

DOMINUM COLLAUDAMUS. [LET US PRAISE THE LORD.] 

praise ye the Lord, O celebrate his fame, 
Praise the eternal God, that dwells above ; 

His power will for ever be the same, 
The same for ever his eternal love. 

Long as that glitt'ring lamp of heaven, the sun, 
Long as the moon or twinkling stars appear, 

Long as they all their annual courses run. 
And make the circle of the sliding year ; 

So long our gracious God will have the care 
To save his tender children from all harms ; 

Wherever danger is, he will be near. 
And, underneath, his everlasting arms. 

Lord, I pray, my feeble muse inspire, 
That, while I touch upon a tender string, 

1 may be filled, as with celestial fire. 
And of thy great deliverances sing. 

My soul is lost, as in a wond'rous maze. 

When I contemplate thine omnipotence. 
That did the hills create, and mountains raise, 

And spread the stars over the wide expanse. 

Almighty God, thou didst create the light. 

That swiftly through th' ethereal regions flies ; 

The sun to rule the day, the moon the night, 
With stars adorning all the spangled skies. 

Thou mad'st the world and all that is therein, 
Men, beasts, and birds, and fishes of the sea : 

Men still against thy holy law do sin, 
Whilst all the rest thy holy voice obey. 



296 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET, 

Monsters that in the briny ocean dwell, 

And winged troops that every way disperse^ 

They all thy wonders speak, thy praises tell, 
O thou great ruler of the universe. 

Ye sailors, speak, that plough the wat'ry main, 
Where raging seas and foaming billows roar^ 

Praise ye the Lord, and in a lofty strain, 

Sing of his wonder-working love and power. 

Thou didst, O Lord, create the mighty whale, 
That wondrous monster of a mighty length j 

Vast is his head and body, vast his tail, 

Beyond conception his unmeasured strength.^ 

When he the surface of the sea hath broke, 
Arising from the dark abyss below. 

His breath appears a lofty stream of smoke. 

The circling waves like glitt'ring banks of snow. 

But, everlasting God, thou dost ordain. 
That we poor feeble mortals should engage 

(Ourselves, our wives and children to maintain.) 
This dreadful monster with a martial rage. 

And, though he furiously doth us assail. 

Thou dost preserve us from all dangers free ; 
He cuts our boat in pieces with his tail, 

And spills us all at once into' the sea.. 

***** 

I twice into the dark abyss was cast, 

Straining and struggling to retain my breath. 

Thy waves and billows over me were past. 
Thou didst, O Lord, deliver me from death. 

Expecting every moment still to die, 

Methought I never more should see the light : 

Well nigh the gates of vast eternity 
Environed me with everlasting night. 

Great was my anguish, earnest were my cries, 
Above the power of human tongue to tell, 

Thou hear'dst, O Lord, my groans and bitter sighs, 
Whilst I was lab'ring in the womb of hell. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 297 

Thou saved'st me from the dangers of the sea, 

That I might bless thy name for ever more. 
Thy love and power the same will ever be, 

Thy mercy is an inexhausted store. 

Oh, may I in thy boundless power confide, 

And in thy glorious love for ever trust, 
Whilst I in thy inferior world reside, 

Till earth return to earth and dust to dust. 

And when I am unbound from earthly clay, 
Oh, may my soul then take her joyful flight 

IntQ.the realms of everlasting day, 

To dwell in endless pleasure and delight, 

At God's right hand, in undiminished joy. 

In the blest tabernacles made above. 
Glory and peace without the least alloy. 

Uninterrupted, never dying love. 

There angels and archangels still remain, 

The saints in their superior regions dwell. 
They praise their God, and in a heavenly strain, 

The wond'rous works of great Jehovah tell. 

And when I shall this earthly ball forsake. 

And leave behind me frail mortality. 
Then may my soul her nimble journey take 

Into the regions of eternity. 

Then may my blessed soul ascend above, 

To dwell with that angelic, heavenly choir, 
And in eternal songs of praise and love. 

Bless thee, my God, my King, for evermore. 



298 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 



FAREWELL TO RACHAEL -WILSON/ OF ENGLAND, 17G9. 

[Author unknown.] 
Happy the humbled soul that lives to God, 

Refined from sensual dross, pursues the way. 
The only blessed way, true pleasure's road, 

Leading through time's thick night to endless day. 

In humble hope let honest hearts unite, 

That the great harvest's Lord may yet endow 

More faithful laborers with immortal might, 
And willing minds the Master's work to do. 

Wilson, the field is wide, the harvest great. 

Noble the purpose of thine embassy. 
Stupid the mind, unfeeling of the weight 

Of potent love that operates in thee. 

Weaned from the love of life and earthly things, 

Obedient to the soul-redeeming power, 
Borne o'er the deep on evangelic wings, 

A welcome envoy to this western shore : 

The straying mind descends from barz'en heights, 

Soft melody vibrating in her ear. 
And in the lowly, verdant vale delights 

The gospel music of thy song to hear. 

Thus the good shepherd tunes his rural reed, 
The stragglers of his flock are g;athered near. 

Charmed by his voice, they in his presence feed, 
Safe from the beasts of prey, and void of fear. 

Clothed with His love who made the lily white. 
Thy fervent labor, Wilson, has been blest; 

Or this my verse had never seen the light. 
Nor thus a fellow worm had been addressed. 

And is thy task fulfill'd ? must thou depart ? 

Go, then, and may angelic peace be thine ; 
Absence cannot erase thee from my heart. 

In years to come, if years to come be mine. 

1 A minister of the Society of Friends then on a visit to Nantucket. 



HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 299 

Divinely fitted for a sacred use, 

As sucli, 'tis sure no flattery to commend ; 
A vessel honored in thy master's house. 

As such, I but salute thee as a friend. 

Favored of God, farewell, and to thy shore, 

Bless'd with celestial calm, though billows foam, 

May gales propitious waft thee safely o'er, 
Endeared Rachael, to thy native home. 



MY NATIVE ISLE. 



Is there within wide nature's bound, 
In realms above, or depths profound, 

Or on this terrene globe, 
A goddess shrewd, as Pallas wise, 
Or spirit of infernal guise, 

Or aught of mortal made ; 

Is there no sylph of wood or mead, 
No sea-nymph in her watery bed, 

No genius of the Nile, 
No one in mountain, grot, or dell, 
Invested with the power to tell, 
• Whence sprung my Native Isle ? 

Was it from ocean's coral caves, 
Toss'd by old Neptune to the waves, 

A gift in merry glee ? 
And will he not some future day, 
In wonder at its lengthcn'd stay. 

Back hurl it to the sea ? 

Or was it severed from the shore, 
Of neighboring lands, in days of yore, 

By strong volcanic shock. 
Hurled into the Atlantic main 
A barren, sandy, dreary plain, 

A bit without a rock ! 



300 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 

Perchance it floated from the north, 
Issued from Zembla's regions forth, 

To find a kinder sky ; 
Perchance it may again set sail, 
Propell'd by Boreas' fav'ring gale, 

The torrid zone to try. 

Undecked, unlovely as thou art, 

A speck upon the world's great chart, 

Thou art our native spot, 
And, true to nature, still we love, 
And, by affection still we prove 

Thy faults can be forgot. 

We know the grandest, loftiest pines, 
Have left to grace more genial climes, 

Yet lovely plants here thrive ; 
The violet bland, and violet blue, 
And violet of cerulean hue. 

Betoken spring's alive. 

Thy fatal shores, and sandy shoals. 
Round which the foaming white cap rolls 

All hopes of safety blast ; 
The pale affrighted sailor eyes 
The dangers that around him rise. 

And turns away aghast ! 

Hence ! all ye light, fantastic schemes, 
Teeming with fancy's flimsy dreams, 

No more my thoughts beguile, 
It is not in your power to tell 
Who toss'd it up on ocean's swell, 
From what empyrean realms it fell. 

Or whence my Native Isle. 



END. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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